Self-Locking Lock Control Slide Merging Blocking Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-locking locks, particularly panic locks, face issues with unintentional activation of the control latch when the door is open, leading to potential misuse and complex structural solutions that require additional parts.

Innovation Solution

The self-locking lock employs the control slide as both the actuator for the bolt and the second blocking device, ensuring the control latch is only blocked when the bolt is retracted, thus simplifying the structure by utilizing existing components and eliminating the need for additional parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a second blocking device is added to prevent unintentional activation of the control latch, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unintentional bolt extensionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control slide is designed to perform dual functions: it acts as both the actuator for the bolt and the second blocking device. When the control slide is in its blocking position, it simultaneously blocks the control latch, preventing unintentional activation. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate additional components while maintaining the reliability improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control slide is transformed into a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes within the lock mechanism. It not only controls the bolt movement but also provides the blocking function for the control latch, making a single component perform the work of what would traditionally require multiple separate parts.

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

2Reliability

If additional components are used to block the control latch, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of misuseVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the blocking function into the existing control slide, the invention reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. The control slide is designed with specific geometric features that enable it to block the control latch, eliminating the need for separate blocking components and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control slide serves multiple functions including actuating the bolt and blocking the control latch, which reduces the overall component count and simplifies manufacturing. Instead of producing and assembling multiple specialized parts, the invention uses a single multi-functional component that can be manufactured more efficiently.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3907356A1Self-locking lock
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 GEZE GMBH
  • EP3907356A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3907356A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3907356A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a self-locking lock, in particular a panic lock, comprising a lock housing, a bolt retractable and extendable within the lock housing and operable via a control slide, a first releasable blocking device for blocking the bolt in its retracted position, a control latch designed to release the first blocking device when retracted into the lock housing, a second releasable blocking device which blocks the control latch in its extended position, and at least one further latch retractable and extendable within the lock housing, designed to release the second blocking device when retracted into the lock housing, wherein the control latch and the further latch are arranged relative to each other such that, when the lock engages an associated strike plate, the further latch retracts into the lock housing at least as far in front of the control latch as necessary.that it releases the second locking device in time so that the control latch can also retract into the lock housing, the second locking device being formed by the control slide.