Spring-Biased Trigger Lock Assembly for Rapid Door Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locking systems are not optimal for quick and stress-free operation, particularly in high-stress situations where seconds can make a difference in securing a room against unauthorized entry, as they often require correct thumbturn operation or key access, which can be delayed by user error or misplaced keys.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly with a spring-biased locking bolt that can be easily operated by a trigger mechanism, allowing quick extension and retraction of the bolt with a single motion, and can be retrofitted onto existing doors, enabling secure locking and unlocking without the need for keys or precise thumbturn operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a traditional locking bolt with thumbturn or key operation is used, then the locking mechanism can be operated with simple structure, but the operation time increases under high-stress situations due to potential user error or misplaced keys
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bolt is pre-positioned in the retracted (locked) state by spring bias, and the trigger mechanism is pre-configured to release the bolt stopper. This preliminary setup allows the locking action to occur instantly when the trigger is actuated, eliminating the need for complex multi-step operations like turning thumbturns or searching for keys during high-stress situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically biases the locking bolt toward the extended (locked) position and the bolt stopper automatically engages to hold the bolt in the retracted state. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates the need for continuous manual intervention or precise manual operation, allowing rapid locking with a simple trigger push even under stress.
2Speed
If a spring-biased locking bolt with trigger mechanism is added to existing door lever, then the locking speed improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism, bolt stopper, and spring biasing components are integrated into the existing lock body housing, merging multiple functions into a single unified assembly. This consolidation allows the rapid locking action to be achieved without adding separate external mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining high operating speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock body housing serves multiple functions: it contains the locking bolt, provides mounting for the trigger mechanism, houses the spring biasing components, and supports the bolt stopper. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, achieving rapid locking operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If the locking bolt is held in retracted position by bolt stopper against spring force, then the locking reliability improves, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt stopper acts as an intermediary component between the spring force and the locking bolt. It receives the continuous spring biasing force and translates it into a stable held position for the bolt stopper, which in turn maintains the bolt in the retracted state. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable locking position stability while keeping the internal structure compact and manageable.
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 solution provides a rapid and stress-free locking mechanism that ensures secure door closure with a single motion, enhancing safety by eliminating delays associated with traditional locking systems, especially in high-pressure situations.
Implementation Method 1
a locking bolt supported in a housing of the lock body for movement between a retracted position and an extended position, said locking bolt being held in the retracted position in opposition to a spring force biasing the locking bolt toward the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly for a door includes a lock body for mounting above a door lever of the door and including a locking bolt supported in a housing of the lock body for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The locking bolt is held in the retracted position and spring biased toward the extended position and releasable from the retracted position to move to the extended position in response to actuation of a trigger operatively coupled with the lock body. The lock assembly further includes a door lever assembly adapted for mounting on the door lever in rotative fixed relationship with the door lever, and operatively coupled with the locking bolt so that rotation of the door lever assembly causes movement of the locking bolt from the extended position to the retracted position.