Swing Thumb Turn Deadbolt Lock for Low-Force Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motorized deadbolt locks face issues with automatic retraction and extraction, particularly on doors that cant and/or pivot, leading to jamming and malfunction, and traditional thumb turns require significant force and are difficult to operate, especially for individuals with mobility or dexterity challenges.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical deadbolt lock with a swing thumb turn that extends below the escutcheon, allowing for easier operation and compliance with ADA requirements, and an electronic lock mechanism that requires authenticated credentials for exterior operation, using a motor to engage a clutch for manual actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional thumb turn is used for deadbolt operation, then the deadbolt can be extended and retracted, but it requires significant force and is difficult to operate for individuals with mobility or dexterity challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved or arc-shaped thumb turn interface that allows users to push or pull along a curved path rather than rotating a traditional circular thumb turn. This curved geometry provides mechanical advantage and requires less force to actuate the deadbolt mechanism, making it accessible to individuals with limited hand strength or dexterity.
2Ease of operation
If motorized deadbolt locks are used for automatic operation, then convenience is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to jamming and malfunction on doors that cant and/or pivot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a deadbolt mechanism that automatically extends and retracts in response to door movement (canning or pivoting), without requiring separate motorized actuators. The mechanism uses the door's own movement to trigger deadbolt engagement or disengagement, eliminating the need for complex motorized systems that are prone to jamming and malfunction.
3Ease of operation
If the thumb turn extends below the escutcheon for easier operation, then accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the thumb turn interface below the escutcheon plane, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide an accessible push/pull interface. This dimensional repositioning allows users to operate the deadbolt from a lower, more accessible position without requiring complex mechanical linkages, as the curved thumb turn directly actuates the deadbolt mechanism through a simple push or pull motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A deadbolt lock includes a thumb turn that may be actuatable to move from a neutral position to extend/retract the deadbolt and configured to automatically move back to the neutral position while the deadbolt remains in the desired position. The thumb turn may extend below the escutcheon. An interior thumb turn may be configured to follow movement of the exterior thumb turn and remain in that position while the exterior thumb turn automatically moves back to the neutral position. The interior thumb turn thereby provides an indication that the deadbolt is in the extended position. A key cylinder having an axis of rotation may be positioned on the lock such that the axis of rotation of the key cylinder does not intersect with the deadbolt axis of movement.