Lock With Dual Electromagnets For Emergency Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panic locks lack the ability to switch between closed-circuit and working current principles, which limits their functionality in emergency situations, such as power failures or unauthorized access control.
Innovation Solution
The lock incorporates a mechanism that allows switching between closed-circuit and working current principles using a selector switch, with an arrangement of two electromagnets and a pivotally mounted magnet armature, enabling selection between these modes of operation. Additionally, it includes an energy storage device for delayed unlocking and a damping mechanism for quiet operation, along with an external electromagnet placement to avoid door-line obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lock uses a single control principle (closed-circuit or working current), then the control system is simple, but the adaptability to different emergency situations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two separate electromagnets (first electromagnet for closed-circuit principle, second electromagnet for working current principle) instead of using a single control mechanism. This allows the lock to switch between different control principles by activating different electromagnets, thereby improving adaptability to various emergency situations while keeping each individual electromagnet relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is made dynamic by introducing a selector switch that can change the operational mode between closed-circuit and working current principles. The magnet armature is pivotally mounted to dynamically switch between being acted upon by the first electromagnet or the second electromagnet, allowing the system to adapt its behavior based on the selected principle.
2Ease of operation
If the electromagnet is placed inside the lock, then the control is integrated, but the door lines are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet is extracted from the traditional internal lock position and placed externally on the door. This external placement removes the electromagnet from the path of door lines, clearing the door line area while still enabling effective magnetic actuation of the magnet armature through the door structure.
3Reliability
If the operating handle is actuated before release, then the unlocking can initiate, but the energy is lost without effect
Solution Approach 1:
The release is activated in advance before the operating handle is actuated. When the release is triggered (either automatically or manually), it prepares the locking mechanism by disengaging the latch from the bolt before the handle is pushed. This preliminary action ensures that when the handle is subsequently actuated, the unlocking occurs smoothly without energy loss from premature or ineffective actuation.
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
This solution enhances the lock's functionality by allowing automatic release in power failures, secure access control, and quiet operation, while ensuring the door can be opened safely in emergencies, with options for remote or central control and reduced noise during unlocking.
Implementation Method 1
The lock has a control device for the release, which works according to the working current principle, i.e. to release the lock, the control device, e.g. an electromagnet, is energized.
Implementation Method 2
The control device can also work according to the quiescent current principle. The lock is locked when the control device, e.g. the electromagnet, is energized.
Implementation Method 3
A spring is arranged between the magnet armature and the selector switch, with the switching between operation according to the closed-circuit principle or according to the working current principle taking place by changing the direction of tension of the spring using the selector switch.
Implementation Method 4
A damping mechanism for quiet operation
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The lock (1) has an actuating handle (9) e.g. door handle and panic bar, coupled with a lock mechanism to actuate a latch (8) and/or a bar (7) using a loaded spring (15). A release device includes a releaser (19) that interacts with a release lever (18) for blocking and releasing a door handle lever (12). A control device is provided with two electromagnets that are arranged to each other at a specific angle, where the electromagnets comprise a common swivel-mounted magnet armature. A selector switch chooses an operation mode based on a closed circuit principle and an open circuit principle.