Rotating Latch for Compact Door Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical locking mechanisms are large, aesthetically unpleasing, and require significant power to operate, making them unsuitable for compact spaces and easy defeat resistance.
Innovation Solution
A dual-function latch system with a rotatable element providing beveled surfaces for both locking and unlocking, utilizing a rotary solenoid or clock motor to reposition the latch module, allowing for compact design and efficient operation with reduced power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electromechanical locking mechanisms (electric strikes, electrified locks, pullman latch bolts) are used, then reliable locking and unlocking functions are achieved, but the device size becomes large and requires significant power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking and unlocking functions into a single integrated latch assembly with a rotatable element that has different beveled surfaces. The latch assembly integrates the bolt, rotatable element with first and second beveled surfaces, and spring mechanism into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate electric strikes or pullman latch mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotatable element that can rotate between locked and unlocked positions, dynamically changing the orientation of beveled surfaces to engage or disengage with the striker plate. This dynamic rotation allows a single compact mechanism to perform both locking and unlocking functions without requiring large stationary components.
2Reliability
If traditional electromechanical locking mechanisms are used, then secure locking is achieved, but the device requires large amount of power or current to actuate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a spring-loaded mechanism that stores mechanical energy and releases it during the latching operation. The spring provides the force needed to drive the latch bolt into the striker plate, eliminating the need for continuous electrical power during the locking action. Only minimal power is needed to rotate the element and release the spring's stored energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is designed to be self-actuating through the spring mechanism. Once the rotatable element is rotated to the locked position, the spring automatically drives the bolt into engagement with the striker plate without requiring additional electrical power. The system uses the mechanical energy already stored in the spring to complete the locking function.
3Volume of moving object
If compact locking devices are used, then space requirements are reduced, but the force requirements to resist easy defeat increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structural design combining a rotatable element with differently oriented beveled surfaces on opposite sides. This composite geometry creates a mechanical advantage where the striker plate must overcome the combined resistance of both beveled surfaces during rotation, significantly increasing the force required to defeat the latch without increasing the device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of beveled surfaces on the rotatable element creates a ramp-like geometric structure that converts rotational motion into axial movement of the latch bolt. The angled surfaces provide mechanical advantage, requiring the striker plate to apply significant force to rotate the element against the spring pressure, thereby resisting easy defeat in a compact form factor.
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
The system achieves compact size and efficient operation by enabling bi-directional movement of the locking mechanism, reducing space and power needs while maintaining security and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an entire spring-loaded latch module is rotated about its horizontal axis
Implementation Method 2
A rotary solenoid or clock motor is implemented to achieve this function
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system wherein the latch is rotatable to provide either a first beveled surface for use as a ramp in latching or a second beveled surface for use as a ramp in unlatching. An entire latch module may be rotated about its axis by a rotary solenoid to achieve this function, and the first and second ramping surfaces are physically the same surface repositioned by rotation 180°. Alternatively, a releasable latch has a beveled surface for engaging a striker plate during bolt entry and a non-beveled surface for locking. The latch is pivotable to allow the non-beveled surface to become the beveled ramp for unlocking. The releasably pivotable latch mechanism may be used with a deadlock. The mechanism is readily incorporated into a rim exit device for releasably securing a door such as an emergency exit and may be actuated either electrically or manually.