Single Lock Mechanism for Sliding Gate Manual Override

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding gate devices require two separate locks and key locations, leading to cumbersome operation, as they need one for electric motor activation and another for mechanical operation.

Innovation Solution

A single lock that can automatically activate the drive or decouple it, allowing manual operation, with a lock cylinder and triggering device using a toothed rack and gear wheel to select between automatic and manual opening modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate locks are used for electric motor activation and mechanical operation, then both functions are secured, but operation becomes cumbersome and requires carrying two keys

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction securityVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate locks into a single lock unit that integrates both the electric motor activation function and the mechanical operation function. The lock body houses both a key switch for electric activation and a mechanical lock mechanism, allowing both functions to be controlled from one location with a single key, thereby eliminating the need to carry two separate keys while maintaining both security functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single lock unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can activate the electric motor through a key switch, mechanically lock and unlock the gate, and provide both automatic and manual operation modes. This multi-functional design allows one lock to replace what previously required two separate locks, improving operational convenience while maintaining comprehensive security

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If two locks are mounted at different locations, then each function has its own control point, but installation complexity and operational inconvenience increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol distributionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions of two separately located locks into a single integrated lock unit that can be mounted at one location. The lock body contains both the key switch for electric activation and the mechanical lock mechanism, consolidating what previously required two separate mounting locations into a single installation point, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining functional versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a single lock controls both automatic and manual operation modes, then operation is simplified, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the key switch mechanism for electric activation and the mechanical lock mechanism into a single integrated lock unit. The lock body houses both components, and a single key operates both functions through different rotational positions, simplifying user interaction while consolidating the mechanical complexity into one unified structure rather than requiring two separate mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 easy operation with a single key and lock location, allowing manual opening if the electric motor fails, and applies to various devices with linear or swinging movements.

Implementation Method 1

a gear wheel (5) cooperating with a toothed rack (4) is arranged on the lock cylinder (2), so that the toothed rack (4) can be displaced to alternatively select the first operating state or the second operating state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3441551B1Device with an openable element
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 CETA ELEKTROMECHANIK GMBH
  • EP3441551B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device with an element that can be opened, for example, by sliding, in particular a sliding gate device. The device comprises the openable element, such as a sliding gate, a drive for opening the element, and a lock (1), wherein the drive opens the element by actuating the lock (1) into a first operating position. According to the invention, it is provided that by actuating the lock (1) into a second operating position, the element can be unlocked by the drive and opened manually.