Switch Lock Lever Bridging Gap for Reliable Latch Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch locks for strike boxes or mortise locks are complex and lack a reliable mechanism to ensure smooth switching functions between the retracted and locking positions without getting stuck in the pre-latched position.
Innovation Solution
A simplified switch lock design featuring a locking lever with a bridging area and insertion bevel that automatically pivots into a lever receptacle upon retraction, combined with spring-loading for secure engagement and disengagement, and anti-manipulation stops to prevent unauthorized use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional switch lock with multi-part bolt guide and spring-loaded switching element is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to many individual components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking lever, bridging area, and insertion bevel into a single integrated component. The locking lever serves multiple functions: it bridges the gap between forend and striking plate, provides insertion geometry for smooth engagement, and enables automatic resetting. This merging of functions reduces the number of individual components while maintaining the reliable locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously performs gap bridging, provides insertion geometry for the striking plate opening, enables automatic resetting through the bridging area, and maintains structural support. This universal design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the latch bolt moves from pre-latched to retracted position, then the locking lever should reset automatically, but the locking lever may swing out and get stuck during upward movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is pre-configured with the bridging area and insertion bevel geometry before operation. The insertion bevel is designed to guide the locking lever into the opening of the striking plate during upward movement, preventing premature swinging out. The bridging area is positioned to bridge the gap between forend and striking plate, ensuring the locking lever remains constrained during the transition from pre-latched to retracted position.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridging area acts as an intermediary element between the locking lever and the gap between forend and striking plate. By physically bridging this gap, the locking lever prevents the space from allowing unwanted movement or swinging out during the upward movement, ensuring reliable automatic resetting without getting stuck.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gap between forend and striking plate is not bridged, then the locking lever can move freely, but the locking lever may swing out during upward movement and fail to lock properly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever has different geometric features at different locations: the bridging area is designed with specific geometry to bridge the gap between forend and striking plate, while the insertion bevel at the free end is designed with different geometry to facilitate smooth insertion into the striking plate opening. This local differentiation of geometry ensures the locking lever maintains reliability during movement while allowing necessary adaptability.
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
Ensures reliable switching between retracted and locking positions without getting stuck, simplifies the lock's structure by eliminating internal springs, and enhances security through automatic resetting and anti-manipulation features.
Implementation Method 1
the locking lever is spring-loaded. The spring loading is preferably such that the latching lever is pivoted out of the lever receptacle
Implementation Method 2
a spring element acting on the pivoting-in side of the locking lever is preferably provided on the latch bolt. The spring element can be a torsion spring that acts on the pivoting side of the locking lever
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a switch lock (3), in particular for a strike plate (2) or a mortise lock, wherein the switch lock (3) can be coupled to the strike plate (2) or the mortise lock via a drive rod (4), for use in the upper area of a door, gate, or window, for interaction with a frame-side strike plate (5), with a latch bolt (8) guided in a bolt guide (7), which is movable between a locking position engaging in the strike plate (5) and a retracted position drawn into the bolt guide (7). According to the invention, a locking lever (9) is pivotably mounted on the latch bolt (8), which interacts with the bolt guide (7) in a pre-locking position between the retracted position and the locking position and holds the latch bolt (8) in the pre-locking position.