Panic Hardware Dogging Release Device Keyless Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door exit devices with panic functions require a hex key or cylinder key to lock the dogging mechanism, limiting the ability of individuals without these keys to secure the door in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A quick panic release mechanism that allows the door to be locked by depressing an end cap button, releasing the dogging function without the need for a key, using an adjustable connecting rod assembly to activate the latch plate and maintain the lock until a key is used to unlock it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hex key or cylinder key is required to lock the dogging mechanism, then the door can be secured, but only authorized individuals with the key can lock the door
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows any individual to lock the door by depressing the end cap button, which self-actuates the dogging release mechanism without requiring external assistance or specialized knowledge. The mechanism serves itself by converting a simple button depression into the complex action of releasing the dogging latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap button serves as an intermediary element between the user and the dogging mechanism. Instead of directly manipulating the complex latch or requiring a key, the user simply depresses the button, which transmits force through the connecting rod assembly to release the dogging latch indirectly.
2Reliability
If a hex key or cylinder key is required to release the dogging function, then only authorized individuals can unlock the door, but the unlocking process takes more time
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap button is positioned and configured in advance to directly engage the dogging release mechanism. The connecting rod assembly is pre-positioned to transmit force from the button to the latch plate, so that when emergency conditions arise, the door can be locked immediately without the need to locate or manipulate a key.
3Ease of operation
If the dogging mechanism is released without a key, then any individual can quickly secure the door, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is divided into separate functional segments: the end cap button for user input, the connecting rod assembly for force transmission, and the latch plate for actual release. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in itself while collectively providing the complex function of keyless dogging release.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring a key to actively engage the locking function, the system inverts the approach by using a simple button depression to release the dogging state. The default state allows locking, and the mechanism is designed so that the simple action of button depression achieves what traditionally required complex key manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus provided for releasing the dogging function of a panic device for an exit door without the use of a key or other external device includes an end cap button; an adjustable connecting rod assembly; and a modified latch plate; Depressing the end cap button pushes the rod assembly to rotate the modified latch plate to release the dogging function of the panic device.