Panic Lock Split Follower Mechanism Dual-Side Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panic locks only allow the panic function to be activated from one side, limiting access and safety in emergency situations, especially in escape and rescue routes where simultaneous access from both sides may be necessary.
Innovation Solution
A panic lock design that includes a split follower mechanism, energy storage via a storage spring, and a control device that can be electrically actuated for release, allowing the door to be opened from both sides, with optional features like remote control, automatic release via fire alarms, and a damping device for quiet operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional panic lock is designed for one-sided access, then the lock mechanism can be simpler and the panic function can be reliably activated from one side, but the door cannot be opened from both sides during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The follower mechanism is divided into three separate parts: a first follower for the first operating handle and a second follower for the second operating handle. Each follower independently controls the bolt and latch retraction, allowing the panic function to be activated from either side of the door. This segmentation enables dual-sided operation while maintaining the simplicity of individual follower mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed to fulfill multiple functions: it provides panic function activation from both sides, maintains secure locking, and enables controlled access. The three-part follower arrangement allows the same lock mechanism to serve both security and emergency egress purposes from either side of the door.
2Reliability
If an energy storage device is provided to store actuation energy, then the door can be opened even if the actuating handle is actuated before release, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device (spring element) is pre-loaded when the actuating handle is in its initial position. This preliminary storage of energy ensures that when the release occurs, the bolt and latch are immediately retracted without requiring additional actuation force. The spring is already positioned to deliver the necessary force at the moment of release.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the actuating handle and the bolt-latch mechanism. It receives the actuation energy from the handle and stores it temporarily, then releases it to drive the bolt and latch retraction. This intermediary component ensures reliable operation even when the handle is actuated before the release signal is received.
3Force
If the actuating handle is rigidly connected to the handle lever, then the force is directly applied to the bolt and latch, but the storage spring cannot be effectively used
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the actuating handle and handle lever is made dynamic through the follower mechanism rather than rigid. The follower allows the handle to pivot and transfer force through the spring element, enabling both direct force application and spring energy utilization. The dynamic connection adapts to different operating conditions, combining mechanical force with elastic energy storage.
4Reliability
If a control device for electrical actuation is provided, then unauthorized opening can be prevented and automatic release can be implemented, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical control system is supplemented by an electrical control device that can remotely actuate the release mechanism. The electrical device replaces the need for mechanical keypads or complex mechanical interlocks, providing simpler and more reliable security control. The electrical actuation can be triggered by access control cards, codes, or remote signals, eliminating the need for physical key duplication.
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
Enables secure and safe access from both sides of a door during emergencies, ensuring the door can be opened even if the actuation handle is already engaged, and provides automatic release in case of power failures or jamming, while maintaining security against unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage device, for example a storage spring, is provided, which temporarily stores the energy introduced by the actuation until the actuation handle is released
Implementation Method 2
a damping device can also be provided, which dampens the pivoting movement of the pusher disk, so that the bolt and the latch retract with little noise
Implementation Method 3
the control device can have an arrangement with two electromagnets, whereby a selector switch can be used to choose between a mode of operation according to the working current principle or the quiescent current principle
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The lock (1) has a lock mechanism controlling a latch bolt (8) or a bar (7) and an actuating handle (9) which is coupled with the lock mechanism for actuating the latch bolt or the bar by a pre-loaded spring (15). The pre-loaded spring is charged by the actuation of the actuating handle. The actuating handle is coupled directly with the actuation mechanism by renewed actuation after loading the preloaded spring and subsequent release of the energy that is stored in the preloaded spring for actuating the locking mechanism in the context of opening the arrested locking mechanism.