Passive Leaf Lock Segmentation for Selective Door Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock devices for double-leaf doors often require complete unlocking of both wings, leading to accessibility issues and increased effort for re-locking, particularly for individuals with disabilities, due to the need for specific opening and closing sequences and potential obstructions during re-locking.

Innovation Solution

A lock device with separate handles for the bolt lifting device and locking bar actuation, allowing for selective unlocking of the passive leaf while keeping the active leaf locked, enabling easier access by allowing passage through the passive leaf without fully unlocking the active leaf, and incorporating an electric door opener for simplified access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If complete unlocking of all locking elements is performed to allow both wings to be opened in case of panic, then safety and accessibility are improved, but the effort for re-locking increases and faulty settings can occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidre-locking effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock device is divided into two independent functional units: a bolt lifting device for the active leaf and a locking bar device for the passive leaf. Each unit has its own actuating handle, allowing selective operation. This segmentation enables the user to unlock only the necessary portion (one leaf) rather than forcing complete unlocking of both leaves, thereby reducing re-locking effort and preventing faulty settings while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If both wings are completely unlocked to allow passage, then accessibility is improved, but security is reduced as both wings become vulnerable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is segmented into independent control mechanisms for each leaf. The bolt lifting device controls the active leaf while the locking bar device controls the passive leaf. This allows selective unlocking where only one leaf is opened for passage while the other remains locked, thereby maintaining security on the unlocked side while providing accessibility through the opened side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If separate handles are provided for bolt lifting and locking bar actuation, then selective unlocking is enabled improving accessibility, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective unlocking capabilityVSAvoidnumber of handles
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into two functional modules with separate actuating handles, but each handle controls a distinct locking mechanism without interfering with the other. This segmentation provides selective unlocking capability while keeping each handle's function simple and intuitive, reducing the cognitive complexity even though the physical number of handles increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2998475B1Day lever for a passive leaf lock
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 ASSA ABLOY SICHERHEITSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP2998475B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

This document describes a locking mechanism for a double-leaf door with an active leaf (1) and a passive leaf (2). The locking mechanism comprises an active leaf locking device and a passive leaf locking device. The active leaf locking device (10) has a locking mechanism with a bolt (12) and, optionally, a latch (11) or other counter-element. The passive leaf locking device (20) has a locking mechanism with a bolt receiving recess (22) for receiving the bolt (12) of the active leaf locking device (10) in a locked position and a bolt release device (22a). The bolt release device (22a) has an operating handle (23) which can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. Furthermore, the passive leaf locking device has a bolt rod assembly.It is essential that the operating handle (23) of the bolt lifting device (22a) and the bolt rod operating device (24b) are switched or switchable in such a way that the bolt rod device (24o, 24u) is not forcibly actuated by actuating the operating handle (23) of the bolt lifting device (22a).