Smoke Evacuation Shutter Lock Layout for Faster Manual Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smoke evacuation shutters require removal of a grid for manual operation, which is time-consuming in emergency situations, and the locking mechanism restricts airflow, hindering efficient smoke and heat transport.

Innovation Solution

The locking mechanism is integrated into the door assembly, eliminating the need for a grid and minimizing airflow restriction, allowing for quicker access and enhanced smoke and heat evacuation by positioning it within the door assembly, where it is inaccessible to unauthorized persons and can be operated manually or electronically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a grid is placed in front of the door assembly to prevent unauthorized access, then security against unauthorized opening is improved, but the time required for manual operation increases due to the need to remove the grid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized openingVSAvoidtime for manual operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is extracted from behind the grid and integrated into the door assembly itself. This allows the lock to be accessible directly on the door without requiring removal of the protective grid, thus maintaining security while enabling rapid manual operation during emergencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A key-operated locking mechanism serves as an intermediary that provides controlled access. The lock allows authorized persons to quickly open the shutter by turning a key, while still preventing unauthorized access, thus mediating between security requirements and rapid operation needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a grid with bolts is used to secure the door assembly, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the complexity of the device increases and manual operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against unauthorized accessVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex grid structure with multiple bolts is removed entirely. Instead, a simple key-operated lock is integrated directly into the door assembly, providing equivalent security with significantly reduced structural complexity and easier operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than protecting the entire door assembly with a comprehensive grid structure, security is concentrated at the specific location of the locking mechanism. The key lock provides focused protection where needed, eliminating the need for extensive grid structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the locking mechanism is positioned externally, then manual operation is accessible, but airflow through the shutter is restricted when open

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of locking mechanismVSAvoidairflow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is merged with the door assembly structure itself rather than being positioned externally. This integration allows the lock to occupy minimal space within the door thickness, eliminating external protrusions that would restrict airflow while maintaining full operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2537563B1Smoke evacuation shutter
Publication Date: 2015.10.07 RF TECHNOLOGIES NV
  • EP2537563B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2537563B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2537563B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a smoke evacuation shutter comprising a frame, a door assembly mounted in the frame, and a locking mechanism, characterized in that the locking mechanism is positioned in the door assembly. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a ventilation system using such smoke evacuation shutters.