Reversible-Clutch Mortise Lock Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mortice locks require two types for doors opening to the right and left, increasing costs and supply errors due to differing operational natures of handles on either side, and lack security against unwanted manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A reversible-clutch mortice lock design featuring a central follower, lateral followers, a platen, pin, cam, and handling-selector piece, allowing quick and easy direction change without tools, and incorporating a parallel double-clutch system with security features against external manipulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two types of locks are used for doors opening to the right and left, then the operational requirements for each side are met, but the cost and supply complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational adaptabilityVSAvoidlock type variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock incorporates a reversible clutch mechanism that can dynamically change its operational state. The clutch can be quickly reversed from one operational configuration to another, allowing the same lock to adapt to different door opening directions and handle positions, eliminating the need for multiple lock types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lock is designed with universal functionality through the reversible clutch system, enabling a single lock model to perform multiple operational roles. The clutch can be configured to work with handles positioned on either the left or right side, making the lock versatile for various installation scenarios without requiring different lock types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a reversible clutch mechanism is implemented, then the lock can adapt to different door configurations, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereversibilityVSAvoidclutch mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reversible clutch mechanism is divided into separate, modular components including the clutch body, latch, follower, and reversing tool interface. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while achieving the reversible functionality through coordinated interaction of simpler individual parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If standard mortice locks are used, then the clutch mechanism provides secure locking, but the lock cannot be quickly reconfigured for different operational modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidreconfiguration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock incorporates a self-service reversing mechanism where the user can quickly reconfigure the clutch operational mode using a simple reversing tool. The design allows end-users to perform the reconfiguration themselves without requiring specialized tools or technical expertise, enabling rapid adaptation to different door configurations while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3591149B1Reversible-clutch mortise lock
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 SALTO SYST SL
  • EP3591149B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3591149B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3591149B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a reversible-clutch mortice lock that offers security features focused on preventing unauthorised manipulation of the lock and allows the operation of the lock to be changed quickly and simply by changing a single piece. The lock comprises a central follower (2), two lateral followers (9, 10) and a plurality of elements that allow the lateral followers (9, 10) to act on the central follower (2). This is a clutch system actuated by a motor (38) by means of a lever (34), a cam (27) and a pin (21), which causes points (24) to connect on the lateral followers (9, 10) situated on the central follower (2). To change the operation of the lock, a handling-selector piece (16) is connected to one of the lateral followers (9, 10).