Sliding Spindle Lockset with Cam-Actuated Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a double latch lockset that improves convenience, efficiency, and safety, particularly one whose spindle assembly clutches a main spindle to an outside handle by moving the main spindle along its longitudinal axis into a clutch sleeve.
Innovation Solution
The lockset features a sliding spindle assembly with a main spindle that is retractable and projectable for a latchbolt, and optionally a deadbolt. The assembly includes first and second locking actuators, each with a push button, twist button, or key cylinder, which operate spindle couplers to selectively engage and disengage the main spindle, allowing for dual mechanisms to unlock the lockset from both inside and outside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional locking mechanism with a fixed spindle is used, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation is reduced because the outside handle cannot be operated when locked
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is made dynamically movable along its longitudinal axis, transitioning between retracted (locked) and extended (unlocked) positions. This dynamic positioning allows the outside handle to be disengaged from the spindle when retracted, preventing operation when locked, while allowing operation when extended. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion of the locking actuator into linear motion of the spindle, enabling this dynamic state change.
Solution Approach 2:
A cam mechanism serves as an intermediary between the locking actuator and the spindle. The cam converts the rotational motion of the actuator into linear motion that drives the spindle along its axis. This intermediary mechanism enables the complex motion transformation needed to achieve both locking and unlocking functions without directly moving the spindle through a complicated linkage system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a locking mechanism that blocks spindle rotation is used, then security is maintained, but the versatility is reduced because only one unlocking method is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The lockset is designed with multiple locking actuators that can independently control the spindle position. The first locking actuator (outside) and second locking actuator (inside) both can retract the spindle to lock the outside handle, providing versatile access control options while maintaining the same reliable locking mechanism. This multi-functionality allows different users to lock/unlock the door from different sides using different actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking control is segmented into multiple independent actuators distributed on different sides of the door. Each actuator (first locking actuator on outside, second locking actuator on inside) can independently control the spindle position. This segmentation provides versatility in operation while each actuator maintains the same reliable locking function through the cam mechanism.
3Reliability
If the outside handle is always connected to the spindle, then the structure is simple, but the safety is reduced because the handle can operate the latchbolt when it should be locked
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the outside handle and spindle is made dynamic rather than fixed. When the locking actuator retracts the spindle, the outside handle becomes disengaged from the spindle, preventing it from operating the latchbolt even if someone tries to turn the handle. This dynamic disconnection provides safety by ensuring the handle cannot operate the lock when the spindle is in the locked position.
4Ease of operation
If a sliding spindle mechanism is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved with dual unlocking methods, but the device complexity increases due to additional couplers and cam mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Cam mechanisms serve as intermediaries that simplify the control of the sliding spindle. Each locking actuator connects to the spindle through a cam that converts rotational actuator motion into linear spindle motion. This intermediary cam mechanism makes the operation easy (simple rotational motion by the user) while managing the complexity of the sliding spindle control internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality of multiple locking actuators and the sliding spindle mechanism is merged into a unified system controlled by cam mechanisms. Both the first locking actuator (outside) and second locking actuator (inside) use similar cam-based mechanisms to control the single sliding spindle, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each actuator.
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
This design enhances convenience and safety by allowing easy access and egress while maintaining security, as the sliding spindle mechanism ensures that the lockset can be operated from both sides, with the inside handle always being operable to exit and the outside handle requiring a key or button to unlock.
Implementation Method 1
a cam assembly that converts rotational movement of the first locking actuator into linear movement of the coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A lockset with a sliding spindle assembly allows ingress using a key on the outside or a button on the inside. The sliding spindle assembly provides first and second sliding mechanisms operated from the outside and inside, respectively, that operate a clutch to couple the outside handle to the main spindle. Each sliding mechanism comprises a key cylinder or twist and/or push button lock that rotates a cam to linearly advance (slide) a cam follower that incorporates a spindle receiver. The first sliding mechanism slides its spindle receiver between clutching and non-clutching positions with respect to the main spindle. The second sliding mechanism slides the main spindle itself between clutching and non-clutching positions with respect to the first sliding mechanism's spindle receiver. The sliding spindle assembly can be incorporated into a legacy lockset and also be used in a double-latch lockset.