Torque Transmitter Stop for Hinged Barrier Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In locked configurations of hinged barriers, the lack of expected feedback when attempting to rotate the handle can confuse users, leading to mistrust or mistaken beliefs about the locking mechanism's functionality, as the handle can be freely rotated without significant resistance, potentially allowing forced entry.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism with a torque transmitter and stop within a housing that arrests rotation when a predetermined torque value is exceeded, providing feedback to the user and reducing the risk of successful forced entry by disengaging when excessive force is applied, utilizing a cam and resilient stop element to reconfigure and move out of engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is uncoupled from the latch in locked configuration, then the handle can be freely rotated without significant resistance, but the locking mechanism does not provide expected feedback to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transmitter stop provides tactile feedback to the user by arresting handle rotation through the torque transmitter when normal torque is applied. This feedback mechanism informs the user that the locking mechanism is engaged and functioning, while still allowing the handle to give way when excessive force is applied for forced entry
2Reliability
If the handle is uncoupled from the latch in locked configuration, then forced entry attempts may succeed, but the mechanism does not resist violent turning
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transmitter stop is pre-configured to engage with the torque transmitter and resist applied torque. This preliminary anti-action prevents forced entry by opposing violent turning attempts before they can succeed, while allowing normal operation when torque remains within predetermined limits
3Loss of information
If the torque transmitter stop engages the torque transmitter, then rotation is arrested providing feedback, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transmitter stop acts as an intermediary element between the handle and the latch mechanism. This single component mediates the interaction by engaging with the torque transmitter to provide feedback while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple and avoiding the need for complex feedback systems
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
The mechanism reassures users of the locked state by resisting handle rotation and reducing the risk of damage or successful forced entry, as it disengages when excessive torque is applied, maintaining the locking mechanism's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The stop element may comprise a resilient stop element. The resilient stop element may comprise a spring.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a mechanism (10) for transmitting a torque applied to a handle (12). The mechanism (10) comprises a torque transmitter (18). The torque transmitter (18) is for transmitting the torque applied to the handle (12) coupled thereto. The mechanism (10) comprises a torque transmitter stop (40) within the housing (14). The torque transmitter (18) and the torque transmitter stop (40) are cooperatively arranged for the torque transmitter stop (40) and the torque transmitter (18) to engage to arrest a torque transmitter rotation. The torque transmitter (18) and the torque transmitter stop (40) are cooperatively arranged for the torque transmitter stop (40) and the torque transmitter (18) to disengage when the torque so applied exceeds a predetermined torque value. Also disclosed herein is a method for operating the mechanism (10) for transmitting a torque applied to the handle (12).