Universal Panic Lock with Rotating Latch Bolt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panic locks require separate manufacturing and stockkeeping for left and right variants, and existing conversion methods are cumbersome, prone to errors, and risk screw loss or incorrect operation, leading to potential safety issues in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A panic lock design featuring a latch bolt that can turn 180° with a selectively switchable coupling mechanism, allowing easy conversion between left and right orientations by turning the latch bolt, ensuring correct operation and preventing accidental outside access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate left and right panic lock variants are manufactured and kept in stock, then correct operation for specific door orientations is ensured, but manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The panic lock is designed with a universal mechanism that can function for both left and right door orientations. The latch bolt can be rotated 180° to change the orientation of its bevel, allowing the same lock body to be correctly installed on doors opening in either direction, eliminating the need for separate left and right variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch bolt is made dynamically adjustable through rotation. The holder allows the latch bolt to turn 180° between two positions, enabling the bevel to be oriented toward either the left or right side depending on the door configuration. This dynamic adjustment transforms a static, orientation-specific component into a versatile, adaptable one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conversion between left and right variants is enabled by moving a screw, then adaptability improves, but risk of screw loss and incorrect fitting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch bolt itself serves the dual function of both the locking component and the conversion mechanism. By rotating the latch bolt 180°, the user automatically switches the lock's orientation without needing separate conversion tools or components. The latch bolt's own movement performs the conversion function, eliminating the need for additional screws or conversion kits.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion function is merged with the latch bolt's inherent rotational capability. Instead of adding a separate conversion mechanism (like a movable screw), the design combines the orientation-change function directly into the latch bolt's rotation movement. This integration eliminates extra components and simplifies the conversion process to a single intuitive action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conversion requires dismantling the lock to recover screws, then adaptability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch bolt performs its own conversion function through rotation. No external tools, screws, or dismantling operations are required. The user simply rotates the latch bolt 180° within its holder, and the conversion is complete. This self-service approach makes the conversion process as easy as operating the lock itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion mechanism is extracted from the complex process of dismantling and screw manipulation, and reduced to the simple rotational movement of the latch bolt. By removing the need for separate conversion components and procedures, the invention extracts the essential conversion function and embeds it directly in the latch bolt's movement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two handle followers are provided for inside and outside operation, then operational flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panic lock mechanism is designed to universally respond to handle operations from both inside and outside. The coupling mechanism automatically adapts to which handle follower is being operated, enabling the same internal mechanism to correctly respond to inside handles (for egress) or outside handles (for controlled entry), regardless of door orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between the handle followers and the latch bolt/dead bolt mechanism is dynamically configurable. Depending on the position of the latch bolt (which determines left or right orientation), the coupling automatically enables the appropriate handle follower for operation while preventing incorrect operation from the other side. This dynamic coupling adapts to the installed orientation without requiring manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Panic lock for building into a door (2) or similar, either as a left lock or a right lock, characterised in that the same lock can be converted to function either as a left lock or a right lock, depending on the desired application, by means of a switching mechanism (29) that is operated by turning the latch bolt (9).