Modular Panic Closure Device with Reversible Kinematic Chain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current panic exit devices, such as pushbars and touchbars, have distinct designs that complicate manufacturing, storage, and distribution due to their varied configurations and components, leading to inefficiencies in production and supply chain management.
Innovation Solution
A modular and compact kinematic chain mechanism is introduced, featuring upper and lower angled levers, a disc, rotary axis, and sliding plates, allowing for reversible operation and compatibility with both pushbar and touchbar designs, including options for side and vertical locking points, and enhanced security features like a rotary plate with a dorsal appendage to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distinct designs are used for pushbar and touchbar panic exit devices, then each device can be optimized for its specific operation mode, but manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal panic exit device with a main lock mechanism that can operate in multiple modes (pushbar and touchbar) through a single standardized design. The main lock includes a bar operated transversely on the door, and through standardized kinematic chains with upper and lower bell cranks, it can activate side transmissions at different heights, providing multi-functionality without requiring distinct designs for each operation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into modular components: a standardized main lock mechanism, interchangeable kinematic chains, and configurable side transmission assemblies. This segmentation allows the core main lock to remain identical across all configurations while only the peripheral elements (bar type, transmission positions) vary, reducing overall design complexity and manufacturing burden.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variant embodiments are produced with different configurations, then specific door requirements can be met, but production and distribution efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The main lock mechanism is designed as a universal base that can serve multiple door configurations. By standardizing the main lock and using configurable kinematic chains that can be assembled in different arrangements, the system achieves adaptability to various door requirements (different locking points, bar types) while maintaining efficient standardized production of the core component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic configurability where the kinematic chains and side transmissions can be assembled in different configurations based on specific door requirements. This allows the base main lock to remain static and standardized for efficient production, while the dynamic assembly options provide the necessary adaptability for different applications.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized components are used across variants, then manufacturing and distribution are simplified, but the ability to meet specific door configuration requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The panic exit device is divided into standardized core components (main lock mechanism with transverse bar operation) and configurable peripheral components (kinematic chains, side transmissions at different heights). This segmentation enables standardized manufacturing of the main lock while allowing flexible assembly of the peripheral elements to meet specific door configuration requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds configurability in the spatial dimension by allowing side transmissions to be positioned at different heights on the door. The standardized main lock mechanism remains identical, but the vertical positioning of the kinematic chains and side transmissions provides the necessary configuration flexibility without compromising manufacturing standardization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular, reversible, and versatile panic exit device comprising a main lock (1) on which is installed a compact modular kinematic chain which, taking as a positional reference the operational situation of the main lock (1) on the door (4), includes an angled upper lever (2), an angled lower lever (3), a first disc (5), a rotating axis (6), a vertical and sliding upper plate (7), and a vertical and sliding lower plate (8); the angled upper (2) and lower (3) levers are on a vertical plane transverse to the door (4), forming a concave or internal angle when viewed towards the door (4). They are articulated at their elbows at points symmetrical with respect to the rotating axis (6).