Lock Identifier Assembly with Tongue Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock systems, especially in facilities with many lockers, make it difficult for users to determine if a locker is unlocked or locked without physical interaction, and current solutions like electronic indicators can be aesthetically unpleasing and consume battery power.
Innovation Solution
A lock identifier assembly integrated into the lock mechanism, featuring a tongue with an inclined surface and an identification element that moves between hidden and visible positions based on the lock's status, allowing users to visually determine if the lock is unlocked or locked without affecting the lock's aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If electronic locks with LED indicators are used, then the lock status can be indicated visually, but battery consumption increases and the lock aesthetics are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism itself serves the dual function of locking and providing visual status indication through the tongue's movement. The tongue acts as both the locking element and the indicator, eliminating the need for separate electronic components and battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the indication function from external electronic components and integrates it into the existing mechanical tongue structure. By removing LED indicators and batteries, the solution eliminates the harmful factors while preserving the essential function.
2Loss of information
If displays are placed on the door to indicate lock status, then users can see if the lock is locked or unlocked, but the aesthetics of the door are affected due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the indication function with the existing tongue component. The tongue's movement naturally provides the visual indicator, combining the locking mechanism and status indication into a single integrated element that does not add external components to the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue serves multiple functions: it acts as the locking element, the visual indicator, and the signal transmission mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate display components, preserving door aesthetics while providing clear status information.
3Loss of information
If users must be close to the lockers to see the indicator, then the lock status can be indicated, but user convenience is reduced as they cannot check status from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extends the indication in the longitudinal dimension by projecting the tongue beyond the door surface. This creates a three-dimensional indicator that is visible from a distance, allowing users to check lock status without being close to the locker.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lock identifier assembly for locks with a cover with a main body, a hollow projection and a knob housed in the hollow projection and with a knob ramp. It includes a tongue, with a recess and a tongue ramp, linked to the knob ramp such that when the knob is actuated, the knob ramp moves, moving the tongue with it to lock/unlock the lock. There is an identification element housed in the hollow projection that has a guide element housed in the recess of the tongue and which is movable on the tongue ramp. When the tongue is moved by the knob, the identification element moves longitudinally in the hollow projection between a position in which it is hidden in said projection and a position in which it projects superiorly from an upper end of said hollow projection.