Separating Element for Panic Lock Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks with multi-part castle nuts require expensive and complex procedures to remove or insert the separating element, making them inflexible and difficult to manufacture for various applications, especially when transitioning between different lock functions.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a lock with a separating element that can be inserted or removed through the receiving openings of the nut parts without opening the lock housing, allowing for easy conversion between lock functions by changing the separating element's contour or position to block or unblock the passage area for the actuating handle mandrel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the separating element is inserted or removed through the receiving openings of the nut parts, then the conversion between lock functions becomes easy and quick, but the separating element must be designed to pass through the narrow passage area formed by the coaxially arranged receiving openings
Solution Approach 1:
The separating element is designed with a deformable structure that can change its outer contour. During insertion, it is compressed to a smaller size to pass through the narrow passage area between the coaxially arranged receiving openings. Once in position, it expands to its normal contour to effectively block the passage area and prevent the operating handle spindle from engaging both nut parts. This dynamic size change enables easy conversion between lock functions while maintaining effective separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the separating element is made removable for conversion between different lock functions, then the lock becomes more flexible and adaptable, but the risk of losing the separating element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is supplied as a kit containing the separating element, allowing the user to pre-assemble the complete lock with the separating element installed before installation on the door. The separating element is inserted through the receiving openings and positioned in advance, blocking the passage area between the nut parts. This preliminary assembly ensures the separating element is securely in place before the lock becomes operational, reducing the risk of loss while maintaining the ability to remove and reinsert it for function conversion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the receiving openings of the nut parts are arranged coaxially to form a passage area, then the operating handle spindle can pass through for single-sided operation, but the passage area must be blocked when dual-sided operation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The separating element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the lock assembly. It can be independently inserted into and removed from the passage area between the coaxially arranged nut parts. When inserted, it blocks the passage area to prevent the operating handle spindle from engaging both nut parts, enabling dual-sided operation. When removed, the passage area is open for single-sided operation. This extraction approach simplifies the blocking mechanism while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 1b~2b
AI summary
A kit comprising a lock (1) with a first nut part (4A), a second nut part (4I), and a separating element (7) for retrofitting and/or converting the lock (1) is described. A method for retrofitting and a method for converting a lock (1) with a separating element (7) are also described. The first nut part and the second nut part are each arranged coaxially with their receiving openings, the receiving openings of the nut parts (4A, 4I) forming a passage area (4D, 4M) designed for the insertion of the spindle of at least one of the operating handles.The separating element (7) is designed such that it can be inserted into the passage area (4D, 4M) to block the passage area (4D, 4M) for the insertion of the actuator handle's spindle, or that it can be removed from the passage area (4D, 4M) to release the passage area (4D, 4M) for the insertion of the actuator handle's spindle. The separating element (7) is designed such that it can be inserted into the passage area (4D, 4M) through the receiving opening of one of the nut parts (4A, 4I). After insertion into the passage area (4D, 4M), the separating element (7) can be moved into a locking position in which it blocks the passage area (4D, 4M) for the insertion of the actuator handle's spindle.Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the separating element (7) can be removed from the passage area (4D,4M) through the receiving opening of one of the nut parts (4A,4I), wherein the locking state of the separating element (7) can be released before the separating element (7) is removed.