Panic Espagnolette Lock Compact Depth Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panic espagnolette locks for double-leaf doors have a significant structural width and depth, making them unsuitable for slim frame applications such as glass doors, and can jam due to the weight of fleeing individuals when the bolt is extended.
Innovation Solution
The panic espagnolette lock design optimizes space by using the toggle lever to drive both the bolt slide and connecting element, allowing the nut to protrude only in the direction of the bolt, enabling a compact arrangement with the electric opener below, and utilizing a connecting rod to transmit forces and actuate the electric opener mechanically, reducing the overall depth and installation space required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional panic espagnolette locks are used with separate drive mechanisms for bolt slide and connecting element, then the lock can reliably operate, but the structural width and depth become too large for slim frame applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive mechanisms for the bolt slide and connecting element into a single integrated nut (24) assembly. The nut pivot lever (26) serves dual function: it drives the bolt slide (36) through the toggle lever (40) mechanism and simultaneously drives the connecting element (58) through the link (66). This merging of drive functions reduces the overall lock depth while maintaining reliable operation of both locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut pivot lever (26) is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple tasks: it acts as a lever for the bolt slide mechanism, serves as a drive transmission element for the connecting element, and provides structural support for both mechanisms. This universal component reduces the number of separate parts needed, thereby reducing lock depth while ensuring reliable operation.
2Reliability
If the bolt is extended to provide secure locking, then the door remains locked, but the weight of fleeing individuals can cause the bolt to jam in the bolt lock
Solution Approach 1:
The return spring (78) is pre-loaded to automatically push the connecting element (58) and consequently the bolt (not shown) back into the lock body when the panic handle is released. This preliminary action ensures that the bolt is quickly retracted from the bolt lock position, preventing jamming by fleeing individuals while maintaining secure locking when the door is properly closed and latched.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight and force exerted by fleeing individuals against the extended bolt, which would normally cause jamming, is converted into a beneficial force that activates the return spring (78). The spring uses this force to quickly retract the bolt back into the lock body, ensuring the panic exit function works correctly without jamming.
3Ease of operation
If the nut pivot lever protrudes in multiple directions to drive both bolt slide and connecting element, then both mechanisms can be actuated, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nut pivot lever (26) is oriented to protrude primarily in the direction of the bolt (longitudinal dimension) rather than requiring lateral protrusion. The link (66) for the connecting element is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction behind the nut, utilizing the available space in that dimension. This dimensional reorganization allows both mechanisms to be actuated without increasing the lateral installation space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The link (66) for the connecting element is nested within the housing structure behind the nut assembly, utilizing the existing installation space rather than requiring additional lateral clearance. The connecting element (58) is guided through the housing in a space-efficient manner, allowing both the bolt slide and connecting element mechanisms to coexist in a compact arrangement.
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 achieves a significantly smaller depth, reducing the overall space taken by the lock, allowing it to be used in slim frame applications and preventing jamming by efficiently supporting the weight of the locking rods through the connecting rod and return spring mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A return spring (78) is advantageously arranged between the connecting rod (58) and the electric opener (20). The return spring (78) has the task of supporting the weight of the upper locking rod (54) so that this does not have to be supported by the toggle lever (40) and the return mechanism for the nut (24).
Implementation Method 2
The return spring (78) has the task of supporting the weight of the upper locking rod (54) so that this does not have to be supported by the toggle lever (40) and the return mechanism for the nut (24).
Implementation Method 3
The leg spring (88) pushes the connecting rod connection (50) in the extension direction.
Implementation Method 4
The leg spring (88) pushes the connecting rod connection (50) in the extension direction.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The lock (10) has a locking slider (36) driven by a nut (24) that includes a nut swing arm (26), where the slider and the arm form a knee lever (40). A bend (42) of the knee lever engages in a slotted lever (68) that stays at an angle between 0 degree and 90 degrees along a moving direction of the bend. The slotted lever is moved during actuation of the knee lever. A connecting element (60) i.e. connecting rod (58), is fastened to the slotted lever, and drives a drive rod connection (54). The connecting rod and slotted lever are force-or form-fittingly connected with each other.