Mortise Lock Decoupling Drive for Manual Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mortise locks require significant force to actuate due to the need to manually rotate the electric drive, which complicates smooth operation and increases effort.

Innovation Solution

A boltless mortise lock design featuring a receiving cage that securely holds the drive and allows decoupling from the lock gear through tilting, pushing, rotating, or lifting movements, along with a link mechanism that disengages the drive before manual operation, enabling smooth actuation with reduced effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the electric drive is integrated into the lock mechanism, then electrical actuation capability is achieved, but significant force is required to manually actuate the lock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical actuation capabilityVSAvoidforce required for manual actuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is divided into two independent parts: the lock gear for manual actuation and the electric drive that can be decoupled. The receiving cage allows the drive to be separated from the lock gear during manual operation, enabling each component to function independently without requiring excessive force

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving cage is designed to be movable, allowing dynamic switching between coupled and decoupled states. During manual actuation, the cage moves to disengage the drive from the lock gear, reducing the force required. During electrical actuation, the cage positions the drive to engage with the lock gear

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the electric drive is manually rotated during key actuation, then the lock mechanism can be operated manually, but the operation becomes complex and requires great effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual operation capabilityVSAvoidactuation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric drive is extracted from the mandatory manual actuation path. The receiving cage allows the drive to be removed or disengaged from the lock gear during manual key operation, so users only need to operate the lock cylinder and lock gear without the additional complexity of manually rotating the drive

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving cage acts as an intermediary mechanism between the manual lock cylinder and the electric drive. It translates the simple rotational movement of the lock cylinder into selective engagement or disengagement of the drive, simplifying the user's interaction while controlling the complex internal mechanics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution allows for effortless operation with minimal force, as the drive is decoupled from the lock gear during manual actuation, enhancing the smoothness and ease of use while maintaining electrical actuation capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

A return spring is provided for this purpose, for example, which forces the drive into engagement with the lock mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The movement of the lock cylinder, in particular a displacement of the lock bit, is translated into a tilting movement of the receiving cage by means of the link, in that the link is pivoted and deflects the cage from its basic position or rest position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP2169156B1Mortise lock without deadbolt
Publication Date: 2013.05.22 BKS
  • EP2169156B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2169156B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2169156B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The lock (10) has a driver arm actuated by a manually operatable nut (18) and engaged with a latch bolt shaft of a nut middle part. A trimmer (36) is driven by a closing cylinder (20) and a lock transmission (42), and acts on the nut middle part, where the lock transmission is operable by an electrical drive (22) e.g. driving motor. The electric drive is activated by the cylinder or is brought out of contact towards the lock transmission. A locking spring (34) is partially extended, when a door or window wing is opened, and is completely extended, when the wing is closed.