Panic Lock Sensor Module Rearrangement for Simplified Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock designs are complex in production technology, requiring simplification while maintaining functionality, especially in integrating electrical sensors for remote monitoring and panic functions.

Innovation Solution

The sensor element is rearranged to the rear of the recess above the follower, with a housing module carrying the circuit board and button, allowing for a simplified espagnolette lock mechanism with a panic function, where the lever is pivoted against a spring's restoring force, and a memory function is implemented using a blocking element to disable the torsion spring, enabling secure locking and unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor element is integrated into the lock housing with a button screwed to the bottom, then remote monitoring capability is achieved, but the production complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote monitoring capabilityVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor element, circuit board, and connection elements are integrated into a single housing module that is pre-assembled and then inserted into the lock housing as one unit. This merging of components into a modular assembly reduces production complexity by allowing the sensor subsystem to be manufactured and tested independently, then simply installed into the final lock assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock system is divided into distinct functional modules: the main lock mechanism and the sensor housing module. The housing module contains the button, circuit board, and connection elements as a separate assembly that can be produced independently and then integrated into the complete lock, simplifying the overall production process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the sensor element is rearranged to the rear of the recess above the follower with a housing module, then production is simplified, but the integration of electrical components becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidelectrical integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

All electrical components (button, circuit board, connection elements) are merged into a single housing module that is pre-assembled and tested as one unit. This integration is performed during module manufacturing rather than during final lock assembly, making the electrical integration process more manageable and less error-prone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical components are assembled and integrated into the housing module in advance, before the module is installed into the final lock assembly. This preliminary integration allows for easier wiring and component placement in a controlled manufacturing environment, and the completed module can then be simply installed as a single unit into the lock.

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

This design simplifies the lock's production while maintaining remote monitoring capabilities and panic function efficiency, ensuring secure locking and unlocking mechanisms with reduced complexity and enhanced electronic integration.

Implementation Method 1

If the lever, which is preferably a bolt or connecting rod retraction lever, is cushioned by a spring, for example a torsion spring, this lever automatically moves to the starting position after the follower has been released.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

A blocking element is provided in order to disable the torsion spring in order to implement the memory function of the lever. This is used in the lock housing and in particular in the housing module. It lies in the pivoting movement space of the arm of the torsion spring, which acts on the lever.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical blocking: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

an electrical sensor element which changes its electrical state when the latch is retracted in this way

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP1997986B1Lock, in particular panic lock with nut actuation positioning sensor
Publication Date: 2011.06.08 CARL FUHR GMBH & CO
  • EP1997986B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1997986B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1997986B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The lock has a sleeve (3) forming a front edge side of a lock housing (1) and a latch (4) retracted from a preceding position into a retracted position by rotating a depressor follower (2). An electric sensor element (5) changes an electrical position by such latch retraction. The sensor element is arranged rearward to a recess (8) and above the depressor follower.