Modular Door Handle Assembly with Electromechanical Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromechanical lock systems for doors are not suitable for glass doors due to their weight and volume, making them inadequate for this application.

Innovation Solution

A handle assembly for locks that includes a first and second handle, lock housings with latches, and electromechanical means that allow for electronic control of the lock's operation, enabling a modular structure that is lighter and more compact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a monobloc electromechanical lock system is used, then the lock provides robust security and reliable operation, but the system becomes too heavy and bulky for glass door applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of lock systemVSAvoidsecurity reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock system is divided into separate modular components: a first lock housing with electromechanical means, a second lock housing with handle, and a shaft connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight and size while maintaining security functionality through the distributed architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If a monobloc electromechanical lock system is used, then the lock provides robust security and reliable operation, but the system volume becomes too large for glass door applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of lock systemVSAvoidsecurity reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock system is divided into separate modular components: a first lock housing with electromechanical means, a second lock housing with handle, and a shaft connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight and size while maintaining security functionality through the distributed architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the second handle is disconnected in locked configuration, then the lock security is improved by preventing unauthorized operation, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock securityVSAvoidmechanical connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical connection between the second handle and the shaft is made dynamic rather than static. The connection automatically engages when the lock is unlocked and disengages when locked, providing security while maintaining operational simplicity. This dynamic behavior is achieved through the electromechanical means that control the coupling state based on lock status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4563776A1Handle assembly for operating a lock for doors with electronic operation control
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 SERRATURE MERONI
  • EP4563776A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4563776A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4563776A1 patent drawingFigure 5A

AI summary

The invention relates to a handle assembly (100; 100'; 200) for operating a lock (101A; 201A) for doors (PV; PL), particularly glass doors. The handle assembly comprises: - a first handle (103) operatively associated with a first surface (S1) of a door; - a second handle (102) operatively associated with a second surface (S2) of the door, parallel to and opposing said first surface; - a first lock housing (104; 104') and a second lock housing (101; 201) including a latch (105; 205); the door and such first and second lock housings are interposed between the first and the second handles; - a shaft (13) extending along a shaft axis (X) orthogonally to said first surface, in which said shaft has a first shaft end (13'), connected in a non-rotatable manner to the first handle, and a second shaft end (13''), such a shaft coupling the first handle to the first lock housing and the second lock housing; - electromechanical means (3, 5, 14, 43, 45, 48) movable between a first fixed position and a second fixed position, and vice versa; in the first fixed position, such electromechanical means enable a direct connection of the second handle with the second shaft end and the first handle, in an unlocked lock configuration; in the second fixed position, the electromechanical means inhibit the direct connection of the second handle with the second shaft end and the first handle, in a locked lock configuration; the first handle is configured to control the latch during the manual operation of the lock in both the unlocked lock configuration and the locked lock configuration; in the unlocked lock configuration, the second handle is connected to the first handle in a non-rotatable manner to control the latch during the manual operation of the lock through the second handle, in the locked lock configuration, the second handle is "idly" rotatable with respect to the first handle to inhibit the manual operation of the lock by the second handle. The handle assembly further comprises electronic control means (7, 58) configured to control the movement of the electromechanical means between the first fixed position and the second fixed position following the reception of a control signal (IA), such electronic control means comprise a first electronic circuit housed in the first handle and a second electronic circuit housed in the first lock housing and electrically connected to the first electronic circuit.