Reversible Door Lock Mechanism with Interchangeable Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional door closing systems lack reversibility, making it difficult for locksmiths to adapt them to various door configurations during installation, which increases manufacturing costs and limits flexibility in mass production while compromising on security.

Innovation Solution

A reversible safety closing system with a lock mechanism that includes a linkage for dead bolts and a latch bolt device, allowing for interchangeable installation locations and operation with a half-turn device, enabling adaptation to doors opening from either side and accommodating different door heights and orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional non-reversible closing system is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the adaptability to different door configurations is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to door configurationsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing system is divided into two symmetrical halves, each capable of independent installation. The linkage mechanism is segmented into two interchangeable sets (first and second sets of coupling members), allowing the system to be configured for different door orientations by simply swapping the appropriate set, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring a completely different system design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single closing system design serves multiple functions by accommodating both right-to-left and left-to-right door openings through the interchangeable coupling members. The same basic structure can be adapted to different door configurations by selecting the appropriate set of coupling members, eliminating the need for multiple specialized designs.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a reversible closing system with interchangeable components is implemented, then the adaptability to different door configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in installation locationsVSAvoidnumber of coupling members
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling members are designed as mirror-image asymmetric pairs (first and second sets) that are interchangeable. Each set is specifically configured for a particular door orientation, but the symmetric design allows either set to be used in either location, providing flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If a latch bolt device is added to operate in synchronism with dead bolts, then the security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-intrusion protectionVSAvoidlinkage mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch bolt device is merged with the existing dead bolt linkage mechanism. The same linkage that controls the dead bolts also controls the latch bolt through the movable support, creating a coordinated multi-point locking system that enhances security without requiring a completely separate control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the bolt carrier support is forced to retracted position at the end of unlocking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor opening smoothnessVSAvoidlinkage configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage is configured to automatically force the bolt carrier support into the retracted position at the end of the unlocking motion. This preliminary action ensures that the bolts are fully retracted before the door can be opened, providing smooth operation and preventing the door from being opened while still locked, without requiring additional manual steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3564467A1Closing system by mechanical locking
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 GRP VALENTE
  • EP3564467A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3564467A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3564467A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention provides a mechanically locking system comprising two lock mounting locations (A and B) that can be used interchangeably to receive drive means, such as a key cylinder output pinion (P), for operating deadbolts via a linkage. In a preferred embodiment, the linkage comprises two rods (T1, T2) that overlap at rod plates (10, 20) in which racks are formed, creating coupling elements with said drive means (P). A latch bolt device (C) is located in a central area between the two lock mounting locations, outside the racks. It comprises a beveled latch bolt (31) mounted in a reversible position on a bolt support (32), itself mounted movably transversely to the system between a retracted position and an extended position of the latch bolt.The bolt carrier (32) and the linkage are configured so that the linkage (T1-T2) locks the bolt carrier (32) in its bolt extended position when the deadbolts are locked.