Trim Lock Device Visual State Indication Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional exit devices lack an effective mechanism to indicate the locked state of the exterior trim from the interior side, requiring users to open the door and potentially exposing them to hazardous conditions during emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A trim lock device with a housing, blocking member, and lock actuator that rotates between blocking and unblocking positions, allowing for visual indication of the locked state without needing to open the door, and can be integrated with pushbar assemblies and electrified door lock mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional exit devices are used without a locking mechanism, then the exterior trim remains accessible from the exterior side, but users cannot determine the locked state from the interior side without opening the door

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocked state informationVSAvoiddoor opening requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary indicator mechanism that visually communicates the locked state from the interior side without requiring door opening. The indicator acts as a mediator between the locking mechanism and the user, providing information about the trim's locked state through visual cues such as color changes or position indicators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback about the locked state through indicators that change appearance or position based on whether the exterior trim is locked or unlocked. This feedback mechanism allows users to ascertain the locked state from the interior side without needing to open the door or physically check the exterior trim.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the door is opened to check the locked state, then users can directly observe the exterior trim position, but users are exposed to hazardous conditions during emergency situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocked state verificationVSAvoidhazardous exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator mechanism serves as a safe intermediary that provides reliable verification of the locked state without requiring users to open the door and potentially expose themselves to hazardous conditions outside. The indicator conveys the necessary information from a safe distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a visual copy or representation of the locked state through indicators that reflect the actual position of the exterior trim without requiring direct observation. This copied information allows users to verify the locked state safely from the interior side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If a blocking member is added to prevent lift finger movement, then unauthorized access is blocked, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess controlVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the locking function with the existing exit device structure by integrating the blocking member into the current mechanism. The blocking member is combined with the lift finger assembly and indicator system, creating a unified structure that provides locking capability without requiring a completely separate complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member serves multiple functions: it physically prevents lift finger movement to block unauthorized access, and it also drives the indicator mechanism to provide visual feedback about the locked state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 users to determine the locked state of the exterior trim from the interior side without opening the door, enhancing safety by providing a visual indication and preventing unauthorized access during emergencies.

Implementation Method 1

The blocking member includes a projection, and is rotatably mounted to the housing for rotation between a blocking position in which the projection blocks actuating movement of the lift finger and an unblocking position in which the blocking member does not block actuating movement of the lift finger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS20220396974A1Exit device trim locking

Publication Date: 2022.12.15 SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC

AI summary

An exemplary trim lock device is configured for use with a trim comprising a lift finger, and generally includes a housing, a blocking member, and a lock actuator. The blocking member includes a projection, and is rotatably mounted to the housing for rotation between a blocking position in which the projection blocks actuating movement of the lift finger and an unblocking position in which the blocking member does not block actuating movement of the lift finger. The lock actuator is operable to rotate the blocking member between the blocking position and the unblocking position.