Modular Lock Body with Interchangeable Modules for Adjustable Backset

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing lock manufacturing process requires a multitude of different article codes for various backset distances, leading to increased production, storage, and management costs due to the need for multiple variations of locks, resulting in unused capital tied up in resources.

Innovation Solution

A modular and standardized lock design featuring a box-like body with removable modules, spacing means, and transmission elements that allow for adjustable backset distances by interposing plates of predefined thickness, enabling the same components to be used across different configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If locks are made with dedicated designs for specific backset distances, then the lock fits specific door configurations, but the number of article codes and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit for specific door configurationsVSAvoidnumber of article codes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock is divided into a standardized body and interchangeable modules (spring latch module, sliding latch module) that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the same body to serve multiple backset requirements by simply changing modules, reducing the need for completely different lock designs for each backset distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock system incorporates adjustable elements including interchangeable modules with different positioning characteristics and spacing means that can be configured to achieve different backset distances. This dynamic configurability allows a single standardized lock body to adapt to various door configurations without requiring multiple dedicated designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple variations of locks are produced for different backset distances, then market demands are met, but production, storage, and management costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarket demand coverageVSAvoidproduction and management efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized lock body is designed to be universal and compatible with multiple modules and configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same body to serve different backset requirements, enabling the company to meet diverse market demands while producing fewer unique lock variations, thereby improving production and management efficiency.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating different lock designs for each backset distance, the system changes specific parameters (module types, spacing configurations) of a standardized body. This parameter-based customization allows efficient production of varied lock configurations from a single base design, reducing the complexity of production and inventory management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If inventory stock is maintained for each article code, then unforeseen market variability is covered, but capital is tied up in unused resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarket demand responsivenessVSAvoidinventory capital tie-up
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the lock into standardized body and interchangeable modules, the company can maintain inventory of common components rather than complete finished locks for every possible configuration. This modular inventory approach reduces capital tie-up while maintaining the ability to respond to market variability by assembling different configurations from available modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design enables easy replacement and reconfiguration of modules. When market demands shift, the company can discard less demanded configurations and recover/reuse the standardized bodies and modules for more demanded configurations, reducing the need to maintain large inventories of all possible variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP2809858B1Lock for doors
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 CISA SPA
  • EP2809858B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2809858B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2809858B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A lock (1) for doors that comprises a box-like body (2) provided with at least one spring latch (3) and at least one sliding latch (4) both of which can perform a translational movement from a configuration of accommodation within respective inner cavities (5), to one of protrusion from the front edge (6) of the box-like body (2). The lock (1) comprises at least one removable module (7) provided with at least one component selected from an assembly for accommodating a handle (8), a cylinder (9) that can be actuated by means of a corresponding key, a spring latch (3), and a sliding latch (4).