Multi-Point Lock Kinematic Mechanism Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks with multiple automatic closure points lack flexibility in alignment, often requiring counter-plates with abutment elements and having complex kinematic mechanisms, leading to incomplete bolt exit and limited opening modes.
Innovation Solution
A lock with four main kinematic devices: one for alignment and retention, another for selecting operating modes, a third for opening via handle or key, and a fourth for preventing handle operation, allowing simultaneous or selective bolt and spring latch operation, ensuring complete bolt exit only upon perfect alignment and offering flexible closure and opening modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If locks use counter-plates with abutment elements to control sequential exit of spring latch and bolts, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the counter-plate with abutment elements from the lock mechanism, replacing it with a simplified system where the spring latch and bolts exit sequentially through inherent mechanical design features of the lock body itself, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism uses its own internal components (spring latch, bolts, and their inherent mechanical interactions) to control the sequential exit and alignment verification, eliminating the need for external counter-plates and abutment elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If locks use complex kinematic mechanisms to ensure different closing and opening types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic selector mechanism that can be positioned in multiple locations to enable different operating modes (simultaneous exit, sequential exit, or prevention of bolt exit), allowing the lock to adapt to various security requirements without requiring multiple complex dedicated mechanisms for each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The lock uses a single multi-functional kinematic system controlled by the selector that can perform multiple functions: controlling simultaneous exit of spring latch and bolts, sequential exit, preventing bolt exit while allowing spring latch exit, and enabling hold-open function, thereby achieving high adaptability with reduced overall complexity
3Ease of operation
If locks allow sequential operation of bolts and spring latch through handle or key, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of security control decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the selector position determines the operational sequence and possibilities, providing controlled feedback to the user about the current mode, while the mechanical design ensures that security-critical functions (bolt exit control) are reliably executed based on the selected mode, balancing ease of operation with security reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
The lock with several automatic closure points comprises a first kinematic device for closing the lock and retention by means of spring latch following the alignment of the movable part with the fixed part of the door/window frame, a second kinematic device for selecting the operating mode for closing the lock, a third kinematic device for opening the lock by means of handle and/or key, separately or selectively activatable, and a fourth kinematic device for preventing the opening of the lock by means of the handle.