Spring-Loaded Displacement Element for Panic Lock Cam Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional panic locks can malfunction if a key is stuck in the lock cylinder, preventing manual opening from the inside during emergencies due to the cam protruding into the bolt's movement path.

Innovation Solution

A panic lock design featuring a spring-loaded displacement element that engages with the lock cylinder's cam, ensuring it does not interfere with the bolt's movement, allowing manual operation even if a key is left inside.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a key is left in the lock cylinder, then the lock cylinder can be turned, but the cam protrudes into the bolt's movement path and prevents manual opening from the inside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidmanual opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A displacement element is introduced as an intermediary component between the cam and the bolt. This displacement element is spring-loaded and can be displaced by the cam when the key is turned, thereby moving the cam out of the bolt's movement path and preventing interference with manual opening operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The displacement element is designed to be dynamically adjustable through spring loading. When the key is inserted and turned, the cam pushes the displacement element, which dynamically changes the cam's position relative to the bolt, ensuring the cam does not obstruct the bolt's movement path during panic opening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cam is allowed to move freely with key insertion, then the lock cylinder functions properly, but the cam may obstruct the bolt's movement path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock cylinder operationVSAvoidfunctional reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The displacement element serves as a mediator that receives motion from the cam during key operation while simultaneously controlling the cam's position relative to the bolt, ensuring proper lock cylinder function without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded displacement element is pre-positioned to automatically adjust the cam's location before the bolt needs to move. When the key is inserted, the displacement element is already in place to receive and transmit the cam's motion, preventing potential obstruction before it can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 the door can be opened manually from the inside during emergencies by preventing the cam from obstructing the bolt's movement, enhancing functional reliability and safety in escape and rescue routes.

Implementation Method 1

At least one displacement element is spring-loaded and supported on the bolt or on the part connected in movement with the bolt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring loading: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3276110B1Lock with displacement element for the locking cam
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 ASSA ABLOY SICHERHEITSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP3276110B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3276110B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3276110B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lock for use in escape and rescue routes is described, comprising a lock case with a lock mechanism including a bolt (1) and a locking cylinder (4). The locking cylinder (4) is mounted in the lock case (10) such that the locking bolt (4a) of the locking cylinder (4) can be engaged directly or indirectly with the bolt (1) to move the bolt (1) from its extended position to its retracted position and/or from its retracted position to its extended position. At least one turning opening (2a) is formed in the bolt (1) or in a moving part (2) connected to the bolt (1), in which a locking bolt (4a) of the locking cylinder (4) can be engaged and disengaged. In the engaged position, the locking bolt (4a) is in operative connection with the bolt (1) and in the out-of-engage position, the locking bolt (4a) is out of operative connection with the bolt.At least one displacement element (9) is spring-loaded and supported on the bolt (1) or on the part (2) movably connected to the bolt (1). This displacement element (9) engages in the at least one tour opening (2a) and is movably mounted such that the spring action of the displacement element (9) forces the locking bolt (4a) out of the operative connection of the bolt (1). The at least one tour opening (2a) is formed in the part (2) movably connected to the bolt (1), and the displacement element (9) is spring-loaded and supported on the part (2) movably connected to the bolt (1). Alternatively, the at least one tour opening (2a) is formed in the bolt (1), and the displacement element (9) is spring-loaded and supported on the bolt (1).