Mortise Lock Spindle Base Conversion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mortise locks often require separate mechanisms for left-hand and right-hand configurations, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and difficulty in converting between handedness.
Innovation Solution
A dual spindle-operated hub assembly with interchangeable spindle bases and a sliding locking collar that allows the mortise lock to be easily configured for left-hand or right-hand operation by aligning peripheral surfaces and using a stop button with an abutment to prevent rotation, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mechanisms are used for left-hand and right-hand configurations, then the lock can achieve proper directional control, but the manufacturing complexity increases and conversion between handedness becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hub assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be configured for both left-hand and right-hand door applications using the same basic components. The hub can be rotated to different orientations, and the stopworks mechanism can be repositioned, allowing a single universal assembly to replace what would traditionally require separate left-handed and right-handed mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into separable components including the hub assembly, stopworks, and button mechanism. This segmentation allows individual components to be repositioned and reconfigured independently, enabling conversion between left-hand and right-hand configurations without replacing entire mechanisms.
2Reliability
If separate mechanisms are manufactured for left-hand and right-hand doors, then each configuration can be optimized, but the quantity of parts and manufacturing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal hub assembly design serves both left-hand and right-hand configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture separate optimized mechanisms for each handedness. The same basic parts are used in both configurations, reducing the total quantity of unique components that must be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled.
3Reliability
If traditional stopworks mechanisms are used, then directional locking is achieved, but conversion between left-hand and right-hand operation requires pre-manufacturing different mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The stopworks mechanism is designed to be dynamic and reconfigurable rather than fixed. The button and stopworks can be repositioned along the hub assembly, and the hub itself can be rotated to different orientations. This dynamic design allows field conversion between left-hand and right-hand operation without requiring pre-manufactured specialized mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system for a stop button employed in a mortise lock having a spindle for operating a latch utilizing a first spindle base and a second spindle base which are nested relative to one another. Each base includes an opening for the mortise lock spindle such that the spindle may enter the combined first and second bases from the left side or the right side. A locking hub overrides either the first or second base and is capable of selectively lying over either the first or second base. An abutment linked to the stop button interacts with the locking hub such that either the first or second base may not be turned by the spindle when this occurs. Locking hub selectively locks either the first or second base through its position relative to the same and allows the mortise lock to easily transform from a left-hand version to a right-hand version.