Reversible Lock Bolt Module for Emergency Egress
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock systems for emergency exits lack flexibility in operation direction and security features, particularly for single bolt systems and left/right-hand door configurations, and do not provide adequate access functionality during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A lock system with a bolt module featuring reversible rotor assemblies that accept both inside and outside drive elements, allowing for flexible operation direction and enhanced security through anti-thrust mechanisms and adjustable trigger systems, ensuring secure and accessible emergency egress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism is provided to limit access from the outside to the inside, then security is improved, but the bolt cannot be released from the inside when the lock mechanism acts on the bolt
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: the bolt itself, a rotor assembly with drive interface, and a locking module with locking member. This segmentation allows the locking member to selectively engage with the rotor assembly and prevent outside drive elements from rotating the bolt, while still permitting inside drive elements to operate the bolt independently when needed for emergency egress.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor assembly serves as an intermediary between drive elements and the bolt. It provides a standardized drive interface that can accommodate both inside and outside drive elements. The locking module's locking member engages with the rotor assembly rather than directly with the bolt, allowing selective control over which drive elements can operate the bolt while maintaining the ability to release from the inside during emergencies.
2Reliability
If a multi-point bolting system with latch arrangement is used, then prevention of forced bolt retraction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and isolates the anti-thrust function into a separate, dedicated component called the anti-thrust member. This member is specifically designed to prevent forced retraction of the bolt by external forces, while being independently operable by the rotor assembly during normal operation. This separation simplifies the overall system compared to integrated latch arrangements that control multiple bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-thrust member provides localized protection at the bolt assembly level rather than requiring a system-wide latch arrangement across multiple bolts. Each bolt assembly with its anti-thrust member operates independently, providing forced retraction prevention where needed without the complexity of coordinating multiple interconnected locking points.
3Manufacturing precision
If the lock system is designed for specific door configurations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to left-handed and right-handed doors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor assembly provides a universal drive interface that can accommodate both inside and outside drive elements regardless of door configuration. The locking module and anti-thrust member are designed to work with this universal interface, allowing the same lock system to be installed on both left-handed and right-handed doors without requiring configuration-specific components or modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system is designed with reversible functionality where the inside and outside drive elements can be positioned on either side of the door based on the specific application requirements. The rotor assembly's drive interface and the locking module's engagement mechanism are configured to work bidirectionally, allowing the system to adapt to different door configurations through simple installation orientation rather than requiring different hardware configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock system for controlling access, for example to a room or building, is disclosed. The lock system comprises a bolt module in which control of the bolt can be configured differently on the two sides of a leaf or door. Control of the bolt module may be provided by various locking modules, which are also disclosed herein. The bolt module is reversible for left handed or right handed operation. In one embodiment the bolt module comprises: a bolt moveable between a thrown position and a retracted position; and a first rotor assembly capable of accepting a drive element, the first rotor assembly arranged to drive the bolt. The bolt module may also comprise a second rotor assembly. The bolt module may comprise an anti-thrust member obstructing driving back of the bolt under action of an external force on the bolt. The bolt module may comprise a lockable cover.