Lock Coupling Mechanism for Secure Emergency Exit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panic locks do not ensure secure locking of rooms during emergencies, as they can be opened from the outside even when the door handle is actuated, potentially allowing unauthorized entry.
Innovation Solution
A lock design featuring a driver lever that uncouples the outer nut from the inner nut using a beveled support surface, allowing safe uncoupling of the outside handle, even when the door handle is actuated, with a control element that can be selectively switched between coupled and uncoupled positions to prevent unwanted opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outer nut is coupled to the inner nut via a spring-loaded nut lever, then the lock allows emergency exit from inside, but the lock can be opened from outside even when the door handle is actuated, compromising security during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The driver lever is designed to be dynamically controllable between coupled and uncoupled positions through the control element. The control element can be switched between positions to selectively couple or uncouple the outer nut from the inner nut, allowing the lock to adapt its state based on operational requirements while maintaining security during emergencies
Solution Approach 2:
The control element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the door handle actuation and the coupling state of the outer nut. It mediates the interaction by providing a controlled interface that prevents the outer nut from being uncoupled when the outside handle is actuated, while still allowing emergency exit when needed
2Reliability
If the driver lever is designed to automatically uncouple the outer nut when the outside handle is actuated, then unauthorized entry is prevented, but the lock mechanism may jam or fail to respond properly
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is pre-configured to maintain the coupled position of the outer nut until a specific uncoupling action is taken from the inside. This preliminary maintained state ensures that the lock remains secure and responsive, preventing premature uncoupling that could cause jamming while still allowing controlled access when authorized
3Reliability
If the outer nut remains permanently coupled to the inner nut, then secure locking is maintained, but the lock cannot be opened from outside even when the door handle is actuated
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the outer nut and inner nut is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control element enables the system to transition between coupled and uncoupled states, providing adaptability for different access scenarios while maintaining secure locking when the coupled position is active
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures secure locking of rooms by preventing the outer nut from being uncoupled when the outside handle is actuated, maintaining the engaged position and preventing unauthorized access during dangerous situations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring pivots the driver lever into a position out of engagement with the support bearing
Implementation Method 2
the contour of the support bearing and/or the end of the driver lever interacting with the support bearing has a beveled support surface which disengages the driver lever
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lock (1) for a door, wherein the lock has a coupling lock nut (4) with an inner nut (4i) and an outer nut (4a), wherein the inner nut (4i) interacts with an inner handle and the outer nut (4a) interacts with an outer handle. To provide a lock that allows for the secure locking of a secured room even when the door handle is already actuated, it is proposed that the outer cam (4a) is coupled to the inner cam (4i) via a drive lever (41) which acts between the outer cam (4a) and the inner cam (4i) and, in the disengaged position, disengages the outer cam (4a) from the inner cam (4i) by means of a spring (42) pivoting the drive lever (41) into a position out of engagement with a support bearing (43) and/or by a contour of the support bearing (43) having a chamfered support surface to force the drive lever (41) out of engagement when the outer handle is actuated.