Modular Lock Conversion via Drive Slide and Transmission Gear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locks lack efficient mechanisms for transitioning between locked and unlocked states, particularly in self-locking and anti-panic lock configurations, which complicates manufacturing and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A lock design featuring a drive slide with straight teeth that meshes with a transmission gear, allowing the main slide to shift between locked and open positions, and a crank arm mechanism to retract the bolt, enabling easy conversion between self-locking and anti-panic modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional lock mechanism is used, then the lock can provide basic locking function, but the transition between locked and unlocked states is complex and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransition efficiencyVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is divided into separate functional modules: a main slide for linear movement, a drive slide with straight teeth for engagement, and a transmission gear with circumferential toothing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall transition mechanism while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive slide acts as an intermediary element between the locking element and the main slide. It translates the rotational motion of the locking element into linear motion of the main slide through the straight teeth engagement, enabling smooth and efficient state transition without direct complex interaction between other components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If self-locking and anti-panic lock configurations are implemented, then the lock provides enhanced security functions, but manufacturing becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock configuration flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission gear with circumferential toothing serves multiple functions: it engages with the straight teeth of the drive slide to move the main slide, and simultaneously engages with the bolt's teeth through the crank arm to control bolt retraction. This multi-functionality allows a single component design to support both self-locking and anti-panic lock configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism allows dynamic reconfiguration between self-locking and anti-panic modes by changing the engagement relationships between components. The same physical parts can be arranged to provide different security functions, enabling versatile lock configurations without requiring separate manufacturing for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If the bolt is retracted immediately without clearance stroke, then the locking response is faster, but the transmission gear cannot effectively move the main slide

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebolt retraction speedVSAvoidmain slide movement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bolt retraction and main slide movement occur in a coordinated periodic sequence. The transmission gear first engages with the drive slide to move the main slide to the appropriate position, then engages with the bolt to retract it. This periodic coordination ensures both operations complete efficiently without interference, maintaining both speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission gear performs preliminary action by moving the main slide to the correct position before retracting the bolt. This preliminary movement of the main slide creates the necessary clearance and positioning for the subsequent bolt retraction, ensuring both operations can proceed efficiently without conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3805493B1Modular lock with panic function
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 WILKA SCHLIESSTECHN
  • EP3805493B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3805493B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3805493B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a lock with a bolt (5) that can be moved between a closed position and a forward-opened position extended from a housing (1) by rotating a locking cylinder, and with a main slide (8, 9) arranged in the housing (1) having a toothing (24) meshing with a circumferential toothing (21') of a transmission gear (21), which assumes a first position in the forward-opened position of the bolt (5), from which it can be moved into a second position by engaging a locking element of the locking cylinder during its rotation on a driver (31) of the main slide (8, 9) while taking the bolt (5) with it into its closed position, from which it can be moved back into the first position by engaging the locking element during its rotation in the opposite direction.Such an anti-panic lock can be modified into a self-locking lock by replacing or adding a few components, for which purpose a drive slide (22) having a toothing (23) meshing with the circumferential toothing (21') and having a nose (22") which is acted upon by the locking element when rotating in the opposite direction is provided.