Multi-point Lock Single Actuation Reduces Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-point locking arrangements are complex and require high torque to actuate, leading to difficulty in operation and potential damage from incorrect manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-point locking system with a primary lock bolt, auxiliary lock bolt, and a lockout device, where the lockout device transitions between a released and lockout state to prevent incorrect actuation, allowing manual rotation of the rotational input device to extend or retract the bolts without needing to manipulate a handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple lock bolts are used to provide secure locking, then the security and engagement between door components is improved, but the complexity of the lock assembly increases and requires higher torque to actuate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lock bolts (primary deadbolt and auxiliary lock bolts) into a single actuation system. The rotational input device simultaneously drives all lock bolts through a common drive mechanism, merging what would traditionally be separate locking operations into one unified action. This reduces the number of user操作步骤 from multiple (handle manipulation plus thumb turn) to a single rotational input, directly addressing the complexity issue while maintaining multi-point security engagement.
2Reliability
If multiple lock bolts are used to provide secure locking, then the security and engagement between door components is improved, but the torque required to actuate the lock assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a latch mechanism as an intermediary that performs the initial door engagement and positioning. By having the latch close the door and position it against the doorjamb first, the system prepares the door for locking without requiring the user to apply high torque directly to overcome misalignment forces. The rotational input device then acts on already-positioned bolts, reducing the actuation torque needed compared to forcing all bolts into engagement simultaneously from a misaligned state.
3Reliability
If a multi-step actuation procedure is used to lock the door, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates and users may incorrectly manipulate the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism performs preliminary actions by automatically engaging the door and positioning it against the doorjamb before the locking operation. This preliminary engagement ensures the door is properly aligned and secured in the closed position, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate the handle to achieve door closure. The user only needs to perform the single rotational input to complete the locking, simplifying the operation while maintaining reliable multi-point engagement.
4Force
If the lock assembly requires handle manipulation before locking, then the torque generation capability is improved, but the device complexity and number of操作步骤 increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism serves itself by automatically performing the door closing and positioning functions without requiring separate user manipulation of the handle. The latch is spring-loaded and self-actuating, using the door's closing motion to engage itself with the doorjamb. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to manually operate the handle to generate torque, reducing the number of actuation steps while the rotational input device provides sufficient torque through its direct mechanical advantage to the lock bolts.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-point locking arrangement is provided. The multi-point locking arrangement includes a primary lock bolt and an auxiliary lock bolt offset from the primary lock bolt. The multi-point locking arrangement, in an embodiment, uses a single actuation motion to transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking arrangement may also include a lockout device that prevents transitioning from the unlocked state to the locked state when the lockout device is not actuated. The locking arrangement may include a biased auxiliary strike plate that cooperate with the auxiliary lock bolt to provide improved alignment and a tighter seal.