Interchangeable Bearing Assembly for Panic Bar Lock Actuation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panic bar devices require complex installation procedures due to the need to determine and accommodate the side of the door where the lock is installed, leading to increased installation time and potential errors.

Innovation Solution

A bearing assembly for panic bar devices that can be interchangeably fixed on either side of the door, featuring a rotating shaft and push elements that adjust the lock actuating mechanism's position based on the lock's location, allowing the same assembly to function regardless of the lock's side, thus simplifying installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional bearing assemblies are used that require determining the lock side, then the lock mechanism can be properly actuated, but the installation procedure becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock actuation functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing assembly is designed with symmetric side plates and interchangeable pushing elements that allow the same assembly to function correctly regardless of which side of the door the lock is installed on. The assembly can be configured with either the first or second pushing element depending on the lock position, eliminating the need for different assemblies for different sides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing assembly incorporates a rotatable shaft that can be positioned in different orientations to accommodate locks on either side of the door. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same static assembly to adapt to different installation configurations, simplifying the installation process while maintaining reliable lock actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional bearing assemblies with fixed lock side configuration are used, then the lock mechanism is properly actuated, but installation errors increase due to side determination complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock actuation functionalityVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing assembly is designed with symmetric side plates and interchangeable pushing elements that allow the same assembly to function correctly regardless of which side of the door the lock is installed on. The assembly can be configured with either the first or second pushing element depending on the lock position, eliminating the need for different assemblies for different sides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing assembly is divided into modular components including side plates, pushing elements, and a rotatable shaft that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows installers to easily adjust the assembly by simply changing the position of modular components rather than dealing with a fixed, complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If different bearing assemblies are used for each door side, then the lock mechanism is properly actuated for each configuration, but the quantity of parts and inventory complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock actuation functionalityVSAvoidnumber of bearing assembly variants

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing assembly is designed with symmetric side plates and interchangeable pushing elements that allow the same assembly to function correctly regardless of which side of the door the lock is installed on. The assembly can be configured with either the first or second pushing element depending on the lock position, eliminating the need for different assemblies for different sides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3839179B1Support assembly of a panic bar device

Publication Date: 2022.08.10 TALLERES DE ESCORIAZA SA

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AI summary

Bearing assembly (1) of a panic bar device (100) comprising a bearing element, a rotating shaft configured for rotating together with a respective arm (2) of the panic bar device (100), a lock actuating element configured for acting on a lock, and a first pushing element and a second pushing element coupled to the rotating shaft. When the lock actuating element is arranged in a first standby position, the first pushing element pushes the projection of the lock actuating element, the lock actuating element rotating in one direction, and when the lock actuating element is arranged in a second standby position, the second pushing element pushes the projection of the lock actuating element, the lock actuating element rotating in the opposite direction.