Lock Counter Unit Manual Blocking Element for Keyless Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock counter units for self-locking door systems require electrical unlocking, limiting the ability to open doors from both sides or without a key, and lack a simple manual mechanism to temporarily disable the locking function.

Innovation Solution

A lock counter unit with a manually operable locking element that can be moved between two positions to prevent the latch from fully protruding into the latch opening, allowing the door to be kept open mechanically and enabling keyless operation from either side.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a self-locking locking device is used, then the door can be securely locked when closed, but the door cannot be opened from both sides without electrical unlocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoiddoor opening accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A manually operable blocking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the latch and the latch opening. This blocking element can be positioned to either block the latch opening (preventing engagement) or be removed from the blocking position (allowing engagement), thereby mediating between the locked and unlocked states without requiring electrical actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element is designed to be movable between different positions - specifically, it can be manually inserted into or removed from the latch opening. This dynamic positioning allows the locking device to transition between locked and unlocked states mechanically, providing flexibility in door opening operations without compromising the self-locking security function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrical unlocking is required, then the locking device can be controlled remotely, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional electrical components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidelectrical system requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical unlocking function is extracted from the essential door opening operation. Instead of requiring electrical actuation for all door openings, the patent provides a mechanical alternative through the manually operable blocking element. This extraction allows the system to maintain remote control capability when needed while eliminating the dependency on electrical systems for basic door opening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the latch fully engages the latch opening, then the door is securely held closed, but the door cannot be opened from the side without a door handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor closure securityVSAvoidkeyless operation from both sides
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element can be positioned in advance to prevent latch engagement before the door is fully closed. By preliminarily blocking the latch opening, the system prevents the latch from engaging, thereby allowing the door to remain open or be opened from either side without requiring key operation or handle actuation on the non-handle side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4459083A1Lock counter unit and locking device with mechanical permanent retainer
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • EP4459083A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4459083A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4459083A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a self-locking locking device (100) comprising a self-locking lock (10) with a lock case (11) for use in a door leaf and a lock counter-unit (12) for use in a frame or in a fixed leaf of a double-leaf door system, wherein the lock (10) has a latch (12) which can be retracted into the lock case (11) by turning a handle nut (13) of the lock (10), and wherein the lock (10) has a bolt (14) which can be extended from and retracted into the lock case (11), and wherein the lock (10) has an auxiliary latch (15) which protrudes from the lock case (11) and which is designed to be retracted into the lock case (11), wherein, by means of an action mechanism in the lock case, the bolt (14) springs out of the lock case (11) when at least the auxiliary latch (15) is pressed into the lock case (11),and wherein the lock counterpart (12) has a latch opening (16) into which the latch (12) can be engaged, and wherein the lock counterpart (12) has a bolt opening (17) into which the bolt (14) can be engaged. According to the invention, the lock counterpart (12) has a locking element (18) that can be manually moved at least partially into or over the latch opening (16) so that the latch (12) cannot project into the latch opening (16) when the lock (10) is brought into alignment with the lock counterpart (12).