Modular Lock Assembly Adaptation for Door Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock assemblies require complex and time-consuming assembly processes due to the need for customization to specific door thicknesses, often necessitating numerous small components and specialized tools, which complicates on-site installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular lock assembly composed of compact, pre-assembled components that can be easily coupled using readily available tools, featuring extension elements with varying lengths to adapt to different door thicknesses, ensuring rapid assembly and reconfiguration without the need for specialized tools or surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extension assemblies with variable thicknesses are used to adapt to different door thicknesses, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to numerous small components
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is divided into modular components including a base assembly and multiple extension assemblies of different thicknesses. Each extension assembly is a self-contained module that can be independently selected and attached, allowing adaptation to various door thicknesses without requiring complex customization of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension assemblies are designed with universal coupling mechanisms that interface with the base assembly through standardized connection points. This universality allows the same base assembly to work with different extension assemblies, creating a multi-functional system that adapts to various installation requirements without increasing overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous small components are used to create modular assemblies, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The extension assemblies are pre-assembled as complete functional modules with all necessary components already in place. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for locksmiths to assemble numerous small parts on-site, as they only need to attach the pre-built extension assembly to the base assembly using simple coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanisms between the base assembly and extension assemblies are designed to be dynamically adjustable and easily reversible. This allows the assembly to be quickly configured, modified, or reconfigured on-site without requiring complex tools or procedures, maintaining ease of operation while preserving modular adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized tools and work surfaces are required for assembly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanisms between assembly components are designed to be self-aligning and self-locking, eliminating the need for specialized tools or dedicated work surfaces. The components guide themselves into proper alignment during assembly, and the coupling mechanisms automatically secure the connection, allowing precise assembly to be achieved through the design of the components themselves rather than through external tools or equipment.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A lock assembly (1) comprising at least one command unit (2), which is driven by a respective key and constituted by a stator (3) and by a rotor (4): the rotor (4) is provided with a recess (5) of a shape and size that are complementary to those of the key. The unit (2) comprises at least one pin for the mutual coupling/decoupling of the stator (3) and the rotor (4), the pin being movable inside a channel that is substantially radial and extends also into the stator (3), and moreover it comprises at least one bit (6), which is operatively associated with the rotor (4) that is designed to mechanically actuate the bolt driven by the lock assembly (1). The lock assembly (1) according to the invention comprises at least one extension element (11), which is interposed between the at least one command unit (2) and the bit (6), and constituted by a main body (12) which has a longitudinal cavity (13) for rotatably accommodating a casing (14) for holding an inner shaft (15). The casing (14) has a first contoured end (16) which is rigidly coupled, directly or indirectly, in the assembled configuration, to the rotor (4) of a unit (2) and a second contoured end (17) which is rigidly coupled, directly or indirectly, to the bit (6). A rotation of the rotor (4) which is imposed by an actuation thereof by means of the respective key produces a rotation of the casing (14) and, therefore, of the bit (6), with respect to the stator (3) and to the main body (12) which are mutually fixed and integral.