Modular Lock With Interchangeable Module Carriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locks require significant construction effort and are not cost-effective to cover a wide range of applications, necessitating a solution that allows for simple and cost-effective manufacturing while enabling adaptation to various security requirements.

Innovation Solution

A modular lock design featuring mechanical receptacles for holding multiple modules, each with a module carrier that connects to the slide plate, allowing for customizable configurations and easy assembly, enabling the lock to be adapted for different applications without altering the installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single lock design is used to cover a wide range of applications, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different applicationsVSAvoiddesign effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock is divided into modular components (locking cylinder module, follower module, slide plate, and additional modules) that can be independently selected and combined. Each module performs a specific function, and the combination of modules determines the overall lock configuration and application suitability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock base and slide plate serve as universal components that can accommodate multiple different module types. The standardized interface allows the same base structure to support various locking mechanisms, drive devices, and security features across different applications.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual extensions are added to adapt the lock to specific circumstances, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual adaptation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Additional extensions and customization options are provided as separate, independently selectable modules rather than being integrated into the base design. This allows the lock to be configured with only the necessary components for each specific application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock configuration is made dynamic and adjustable through the modular architecture, allowing the system to be adapted to different requirements by selecting and combining appropriate modules rather than requiring multiple fixed designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple modules are integrated into the lock housing, then adaptability is improved, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock configuration optionsVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional modules are nested within the lock housing structure, with each module compactly arranged to utilize available space efficiently. The modular design allows for space optimization by placing smaller modules within or alongside larger structural components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3299552B1Modular lock
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 ASSA ABLOY (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3299552B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3299552B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3299552B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

The invention relates to a lock (1) for a pivotally mounted wing of a door or window with a lock housing (11) comprising a lock faceplate (12), a lock base (13) and a removable lock cover (14) and at least one bolt element (15, 16) extending through the lock faceplate (12) as well as a sliding plate (17) cooperating with the bolt element.In order to create a cost-effective lock (1) that can be adapted to a wide variety of requirements, it is proposed that the lock base (13) has receptacles (18) for holding at least two different modules (3, 4, 5, 6, 7), wherein the modules are each designed as interchangeable assemblies and each has a module carrier (31, 41, 51, 61, 71) which carries several module components of the module and is itself held on the receptacles (18) of the lock base (13), wherein the sliding plate connects a locking element and at least one of the modules together.