Multi-Part Door Bolt Locking for Pressure-Wave Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door and hatch assemblies for vehicles and buildings lack a robust and efficient locking mechanism that provides resistance to pressure waves and shock while requiring minimal actuation force.

Innovation Solution

A multi-part bolt system comprising sub-bodies that are partially located in both the leaf and frame in a locked state, with one sub-body actively pivoted by an actuating device and the other passively following, ensuring smooth operation and high mechanical load-bearing capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional locking mechanisms with multiple latches are used, then robust locking is achieved, but device complexity and actuation force increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking robustnessVSAvoidnumber of latches

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bolt is divided into multiple sub-bodies (first sub-body on leaf side, second sub-body on frame side) that can move independently. Each sub-body is received in its own bearing shell, allowing distributed movement and locking action. This segmentation maintains robust locking while simplifying the overall mechanism compared to traditional multi-latch systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single multi-part bolt assembly. The first and second sub-bodies work together as one integrated locking system, actuated by a single actuating device. This merging reduces the number of separate components and actuation points compared to traditional multi-latch systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then locking robustness is achieved, but actuation force increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking robustnessVSAvoidactuation force

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing shells enable dynamic, smooth movement of the sub-bodies during locking and unlocking. The bearing shells reduce friction and allow the sub-bodies to pivot and move along their respective axes with minimal resistance, significantly reducing the actuation force required compared to rigid traditional latch systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If minimal actuation force is used, then ease of operation improves, but locking robustness may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation forceVSAvoidlocking robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If smooth operation is achieved through bearing shells, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation smoothnessVSAvoidbearing shell structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing shells provide self-lubricating or low-friction surfaces that enable smooth operation without requiring complex external lubrication systems or additional moving parts. The bearing shells themselves serve the dual function of supporting the sub-bodies and providing the low-friction interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4310278B1Door or hatch assembly, locking mechanism and vehicle or building

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 NVL BV & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a door or hatch assembly (100) for a vehicle or a building, wherein the door or hatch assembly (100) has a leaf (106) pivotably mounted in a frame (102) for closing a frame opening (110). According to the invention, the door or hatch assembly (100) has at least one multi-part bolt (150) formed with a partial body (152) and at least one further partial body (154), wherein in an unlocked state at least one partial body (152) is positioned in the leaf (106) and the at least one further partial body (154) is positioned in the frame (102), whereas in a locked state the partial bodies (152, 154) are partially located in both the frame (102) and the leaf (106). As a result, a simple, smooth locking mechanism for the door or hatch assembly (100) is provided, which is also mechanically highly resilient.Furthermore, the invention relates to a locking mechanism (136) and to a vehicle or building with such a locking mechanism (136).