Sliding Door Locking Element with Tilting and Sliding Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for sliding doors are complex, prone to malfunction during power outages, and lack flexibility in operation, leading to potential failure in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a locking element that can move along a sliding direction and tilt about a rotational axis, utilizing compression and torsion springs to maintain a predefined state during power failures, and incorporating electromagnetic and manual mechanisms for flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motorized locking mechanism is used, then automatic locking and unlocking is achieved, but the device becomes complex and fails during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into two independent subsystems: an automatic motorized subsystem for normal operation and a manual mechanical subsystem for emergency operation. The locking element can be actuated independently by either subsystem without requiring the other to function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the motorized drive and the manual operating element. This intermediary allows the locking element to be actuated by either the motor or manual operation independently, decoupling the two subsystems so that failure of one does not prevent operation of the other.
2Extent of automation
If a motorized locking mechanism is used, then automatic locking and unlocking is achieved, but reliability decreases during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The manual operating element and mechanical linkage are pre-configured and always available, independent of power supply status. In the event of power outage, the manual subsystem can immediately take over without requiring additional power-dependent components, ensuring continuous reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual operating element allows the system to serve itself during power outages without external assistance or power supply. The mechanical linkage and spring elements provide self-contained operation that does not depend on external electrical systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If the locking element is fixed in position, then manufacturing is simplified, but flexibility in operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to assume different positions (locked, unlocked, intermediate) based on operational requirements. The element can be tilted or rotated to different angles, providing operational flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple fixed mounting structure that simplifies manufacturing.
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
Ensures reliable locking and unlocking of sliding doors, even during power outages, by decoupling automatic and manual operations, and allowing for easy adaptation to different emergency scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring (6) and a sliding device (7, 71) to move the locking element (5) along the sliding direction (V) against the compressive force of the compression spring (6)
Implementation Method 2
a torsion spring (87) and a tilting device to tilt the locking element (5) about the rotational axis (R1) against the torsional force of the torsion spring (87)
Implementation Method 3
An automatic locking and unlocking mechanism—i.e., one based on electromechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems—can cause the locking element to move
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (1) for a door, in particular for a sliding door (10), comprising at least one door leaf (11). The locking device has a housing part (2) and a locking element (5) which is held by the housing part (2) and which is used to lock and unlock the at least one door leaf (11) in a closed or open position. The locking element (5) can be slid along a sliding direction (V) and can be tilted about a rotational axis (R1) relative to the housing part (2) in order to allow the at least one door leaf (11) to be locked and unlocked alternatively by both sliding as well as by tilting the locking element (5). The invention additionally relates to a door, in particular a sliding door (10), comprising such a locking device (1).