Cylindrical Lock Status Indicator via Magnetic Rose Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locks lack a reliable and visible indication of their locked or unlocked status, particularly from both sides of the door, which can be crucial in securing areas like classrooms or bathrooms, and in situations like lockdowns where occupants need to know if the door is properly locked.
Innovation Solution
An access device with a lock and indicator system that uses magnets to display a visible lock or unlock signal through a rose window, allowing occupants to see the lock status from either side of the door, featuring an egress actuator, ingress actuator, and a lock that moves between locked and unlocked positions, with magnetic forces retaining the indicator in either the lock or unlock position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional lock mechanism is used without an indicator system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information about lock status cannot be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic indicator system serves as an intermediary between the lock mechanism and the observer. The indicator includes a magnet that interacts with the lock's position through magnetic fields, translating internal lock state into visible external information without requiring direct mechanical connection or complex electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator employs color-coded visual signals to represent different lock states. The indicator displays distinct colors or color patterns corresponding to locked versus unlocked positions, providing immediate intuitive information about lock status without requiring complex displays or multiple components.
2Loss of information
If a magnetic indicator system is added to show lock status, then the loss of information is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic indicator system is self-actuating based on the lock's position. The magnet in the indicator automatically responds to the lock's locked or unlocked state through magnetic attraction or repulsion forces, eliminating the need for additional actuators, sensors, or control mechanisms to drive the indicator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages or electronic sensors with a simple magnetic field interaction system. The magnetic force between the indicator's magnet and the lock mechanism provides a direct, reliable, and mechanically simple means of indicating status without requiring complex transmission mechanisms.
3Loss of information
If the indicator is made visible from both sides of the door, then the loss of information is reduced for all occupants, but the device complexity and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator system is designed to serve multiple viewing directions simultaneously. The magnetic mechanism and display elements are arranged to provide visible indication from both sides of the door through the rose windows, allowing a single indicator mechanism to fulfill the information needs of occupants on either side without requiring separate independent indicators.
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
Provides a clear and visible indication of the lock status from both sides of the door, enhancing security and awareness of the lock's condition, ensuring that occupants can confirm the door is properly secured or unlocked.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet retaining the indicator in the lock signal display position, in the second magnet unlock position a second magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet retaining the indicator in the unlock signal display position
Data Source
AI summary
Lock indicators useable to signal the locked or unlocked state of a lock at both sides of a door selectively secured by the lock. For example, the present disclosure provides locks having an entry function or an intruder function with an indicator viewable by occupants of an area secured by the lock. In another example, the present disclosure provides a lock having a privacy function with an indicator viewable from external of an area secured by the lock.