Reversible Mortise Lock Live Bolt Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mortise locks are not reversible, requiring separate left-hand and right-hand versions, leading to increased manufacturing and inventory costs due to dual production needs.
Innovation Solution
A reversible mortise lock design with a slidably and pivotally mounted live bolt that can be oriented in opposite directions, allowing easy conversion from right-hand to left-hand operation without tools, using a finger mechanism that adjusts by gravity to lock the bolt in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate left-hand and right-hand mortise locks are manufactured, then the locks can function correctly on respective door sides, but manufacturing and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mortise lock is designed with a reversible live bolt that can be rotated 180 degrees to function on either left-hand or right-hand doors. The housing contains a finger mechanism that, when repositioned, allows the live bolt to be rotated and locked in the opposite orientation. This single universal lock design replaces the need for separate left-hand and right-hand lock models, reducing manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements while maintaining proper functionality on both door configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reversible live bolt mechanism is implemented, then the lock can be used on opposite side edges of the door, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The finger mechanism utilizes gravity to automatically reposition itself when the lock housing is inverted during conversion from left-hand to right-hand configuration. The finger pivots on a horizontal axis and naturally falls to the appropriate position based on the housing orientation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or complex locking mechanisms. This self-servicing feature simplifies the overall device complexity while enabling reversibility
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
Enables cost-effective, durable, and safe use of mortise locks on either side of a door, reducing manufacturing and inventory costs while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the finger can be moved by gravity to the second position simply by turning the mortise lock 180° top to bottom
Data Source
AI summary
The reversible mortise lock of the present invention can be installed on either the left or right side edges of a door opposite the door hinges. The lock includes a housing with a live bolt pivotally and slidably mounted in the housing. The live bolt slides between an extended position beyond the housing and a fully retracted position within the housing. When fully retracted, the live bolt can be rotated 180° so that the beveled face of the live bolt can be reversed. A finger pivotally mounted within the housing blocks full retraction of the live bolt when the mortise lock is installed in the door.