Panic Lock Bolt Retraction via Intermediary Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Panic locks often fail to fully retract the bolt when the driver is in an unfavorable position, leading to maintenance issues and safety concerns due to the blocking of the interchangeable element on the driver.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an interchangeable spring that supports the interchangeable element and bolt, allowing it to deviate and rotate against the spring's force, combined with an elastic latching arrangement to ensure the bolt can be fully retracted even when the driver is in an unfavorable position, using a leaf spring design and a link guide for linear displacement and rotation of the interchangeable element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the changeover element is guided on the bolt shaft and lifted by the rotating follower, then the latch can be retracted through normal operation, but the changeover element becomes blocked during panic operation when the follower is in an unfavorable position, preventing the bolt from fully retracting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a panic lever as an intermediary element that transfers the rotational movement of the spindle directly to the bolt, bypassing the changeover element. This mediator allows the bolt to be retracted independently of the follower's position, resolving the blocking issue while maintaining normal latch retraction functionality through the changeover element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the bolt retraction mechanism into two independent paths: one through the changeover element for normal operation and another through the panic lever for emergency situations. This segmentation allows each path to function independently, preventing the changeover element from blocking the panic operation path.
2Reliability
If the changeover element is made rigid to ensure proper engagement, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the changeover element cannot rotate against the changeover spring force when blocked, causing maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the changeover element dynamically adjustable by providing a rotation capability that allows it to pivot against the changeover spring force. This dynamic feature prevents permanent blocking and facilitates easy maintenance by enabling the changeover element to return to its proper engagement position without rigid constraint.
3Reliability
If the bolt is designed to retract fully in all positions, then the locking reliability is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases due to the need for additional springs and guides
Solution Approach 1:
The panic lever is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a panic operation actuator and as a guide for the bolt's rotational movement. The changeover element also serves dual purposes by guiding the bolt during normal operation and providing a rotation path during panic operation. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures safe and low-maintenance operation of the door lock by allowing the bolt to be fully retracted in all positions of the driver, preventing blockages and ensuring reliable locking and unlocking functions.
Implementation Method 1
an interchangeable spring that supports the interchangeable element and bolt, allowing it to deviate and rotate against the spring's force
Implementation Method 2
using a leaf spring design and a link guide for linear displacement and rotation of the interchangeable element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lock, in particular a panic lock (1), comprising a latch (4), a bolt (11) which is displaceable along a bolt axis (30) for locking the lock (1), a bolt-fixed end stop (24), a rotatable driver (17) or a receptacle (18) for the driver (17) for displacing the bolt (11) along the bolt axis (30), and a changeover element (20) actuated by the driver (17) for retracting the latch (4), wherein the changeover element (20) is rotatable about a changeover axis of rotation (21) perpendicular to the bolt axis (30), in which in one direction of rotation it rests against an end stop (24) and in the opposite direction of rotation it is rotatable against the force of a changeover spring (26).