Door Lock Actuator with Spring-Loaded Abrupt Bolt Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuating devices for locking bolts lack the ability to transfer them abruptly into closed or released positions without relying on electrical components.

Innovation Solution

An actuating device with a drive element and an output element preloaded by an elastic element, where a locking device blocks movement until a trigger position is reached, allowing sudden movement upon release, achieved through mechanical means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking device blocks the output element throughout the entire movement range, then the output element remains securely fixed, but it cannot be moved abruptly when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixation of output elementVSAvoidability to move output element abruptly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device transitions from a static blocking state to a dynamic releasing state based on the drive element's position. The locking element is movable along the displacement direction and can switch between blocking the output element and allowing its abrupt movement, enabling the system to adapt its constraint level according to operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element acts as an intermediary between the drive element and the output element. It mediates the interaction by blocking the output element during most of the drive element's movement, then releasing it at the triggering position to enable abrupt movement, thus controlling the transfer of motion and force between the two components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the output element is preloaded by an elastic element, then sudden movement can be achieved upon release, but the system requires a mechanism to control when release occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of output element movementVSAvoidcontrol mechanism for release timing
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element is preloaded in advance during the initial positioning phase, storing potential energy while the locking element blocks the output element. This preliminary action allows the system to accumulate energy quietly, then release it suddenly when the drive element reaches the triggering position, achieving fast movement without complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the drive element's own movement to trigger the release automatically. When the drive element reaches the predetermined triggering position, it automatically causes the locking element to release the output element, eliminating the need for external control signals or additional actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the locking device releases the output element at a specific trigger position, then abrupt movement is enabled, but the locking device must be precisely positioned along the drive element's path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrupt movement capabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of locking device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The movement range of the drive element is segmented into distinct zones: a blocking zone where the locking element prevents output element movement, and a triggering zone where release occurs. This segmentation allows the locking device to be positioned at a specific triggering position without requiring extreme precision, as long as it falls within the defined triggering zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is positioned to engage at a point that provides sufficient blocking action throughout the majority of the drive element's movement range. The triggering position is designed with some tolerance, allowing partial variation in positioning while still achieving the desired abrupt movement function, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 abrupt transfer of locking bolts into closed or released positions mechanically, eliminating the need for electrical components and ensuring robust coupling and assembly.

Implementation Method 1

The drive element and the output element are preloaded or are preloaded against each other along the displacement direction by means of the elastic element (28)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the output element is moved, in particular abruptly, from its first position to its second position due to the force acting on the output element via the elastic element (28)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4407126B1Actuating device, closing device and a door or window arrangement
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 BKS
  • EP4407126B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4407126B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4407126B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an actuating device (10), in particular for a locking device (66), comprising a housing (12), a drive element (14), an output element (22), at least one elastic element (28), and a locking device (30). The invention also relates to a locking device (66) with such an actuating device and to a door assembly (68) or window assembly with such a locking device (66).