Lock Coupling Slide for Independent Switching Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locks lack flexibility and security in access control, as the switching function often requires operating a latch, which can complicate operation and reduce security when trying to independently manage locking and switching functions.

Innovation Solution

A lock design featuring a rotatable lock nut with two nut parts and a coupling slide, where the coupling slide is actuated by the locking cylinder to engage or disengage the nut parts, allowing for independent control of the switching function without affecting the latch, enhancing flexibility and security by allowing the bolt to be locked in multiple positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the switching function is implemented by operating the latch, then the locking and switching functions are integrated, but the operation becomes more complex and security is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching functionVSAvoidlatch operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is divided into independent functional modules: the latch for basic locking and the coupling slide for switching function. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between integrating switching functionality and maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling slide acts as an intermediary element between the lock cylinder and the latch mechanism. It receives actuation from the lock cylinder and translates it into appropriate latch positioning, enabling the switching function to be activated without directly operating the latch, thus maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the latch is operated for switching, then the switching function can be activated, but the locking security is compromised when the bolt is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching functionVSAvoidlocking security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the switching function into a distinct coupling slide mechanism independent from the latch, the system can activate switching without compromising the latch's security function. The coupling slide operates separately and does not interfere with the latch's ability to secure the bolt in extended positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling slide is designed to be actuated by the lock cylinder in a controlled sequence, preparing the switching function activation before it affects the latch. This preliminary action ensures that the locking security is maintained until the switching function is properly initiated through the coupling slide mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple pre-locked positions are provided, then security is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidpre-locked positions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling slide mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls the switching function, manages the pre-locked positions, and coordinates with the latch mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide multiple pre-locked positions for enhanced security without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one component performs several critical roles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4026969B1Lock
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 BKS
  • EP4026969B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4026969B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4026969B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lock (10) comprising a lock case (12), a lock cylinder (20), a latch (22), and a lock follower (28) rotatably mounted in the lock case (12), wherein the lock follower (28) has two follower parts (30, 32), one follower part (30) of which can be actuated from one side of the lock (10) and the other follower part (32) of which can be actuated from the other side of the lock (10), wherein the follower parts (30, 32) are rotatable relative to each other and can be coupled to each other in a rotationally fixed manner by means of a coupling element (42), wherein a coupling slide (44) is arranged between the lock follower (28) and the lock cylinder (20), which is slidably mounted in the lock case (12) along a displacement direction (46) and can be displaced between a lowered position relative to the lock cylinder (10) and a raised position, wherein the coupling slide (44) is The locking cylinder (20) can be moved into the raised position by actuating it.which brings the coupling element (42) into a engaged position in which the two nut parts (30, 32) are rotationally fixed to each other.