Universal Latch Spindle Handing Structure for Four-Way Door Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock systems require different hardware components for each door handing type (RH, LH, RHR, LHR), leading to increased production and storage needs, and customers often unknowingly order the wrong handing.
Innovation Solution
A latch spindle with an angular clearance that can be driven independently by both an outer and inner spindle, allowing four different handings to be set with a single latch, ensuring security even if the outer spindle is locked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated components are used for each door handing type, then the lock system can be optimized for specific handings, but the number of components and storage requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The latch spindle is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate all four door handing types (RH, LH, RHR, LHR) through a single component design. The handing structure with angular clearance allows the same latch spindle to be installed in any door configuration without requiring dedicated components for each handing type, thereby reducing the quantity of components while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch spindle incorporates an angular clearance that allows dynamic adjustment of its rotational position. This dynamic capability enables the single latch spindle to adapt to different handing configurations by rotating to appropriate angular positions, eliminating the need for static dedicated components for each handing type.
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated latch spindles are produced for different handings, then each handing can have optimized performance, but production complexity and storage space increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal latch spindle design replaces multiple handing-specific spindles in production. The standardized design with angular clearance allows one component to serve all four handing types, simplifying manufacturing processes, reducing production complexity, and eliminating the need for separate production lines for each handing type while maintaining handing-specific performance through proper installation orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch spindle design separates the handing-specific functionality from the component structure itself by using angular clearance and rotational positioning. This segmentation allows the universal component to achieve handing-specific performance through installation configuration rather than through dedicated structural variations, thereby simplifying manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If customers order lock systems without specifying handing type, then ordering process is simplified, but wrong handing may be ordered leading to installation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The universal latch spindle can be installed in all four handing types, allowing customers to order without specifying handing type. The same component will work correctly regardless of door configuration, eliminating ordering errors while maintaining reliable installation for any handing type through the component's adaptive capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular clearance in the latch spindle provides dynamic adaptability to different handing configurations. This dynamic feature ensures that regardless of which handing type is installed, the component can achieve proper functional positioning, guaranteeing correct installation and reliable performance without requiring customers to specify handing type during ordering.
4Reliability
If the outer spindle is locked in a stationary state, then security is improved, but the latch spindle cannot be rotated for unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle system is segmented into an outer spindle and an inner spindle that can operate independently. The outer spindle can be locked to provide security, while the inner spindle remains free to rotate for unlocking operations. This segmentation allows the latch spindle to be rotated for unlocking even when the outer spindle is locked, maintaining both security and operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner spindle acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables latch spindle rotation independent of the outer spindle's locked state. This intermediary component transfers the unlocking motion to the latch spindle without requiring the outer spindle to be unlocked, thereby maintaining security while enabling unlocking capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for a lock system comprising a latch spindle for engaging a follower and comprising a handing structure; an outer spindle comprising an outer engaging structure configured to engage the handing structure; and an inner spindle comprising an inner engaging structure configured to engage the handing structure independently of the outer engaging structure; wherein the handing structure, the inner engaging structure and the outer engaging structure are configured to cooperate such that a first handing can be set by a first latch position of the latch spindle, and a second handing can be set by a second latch position of the latch spindle; and wherein the handing structure comprises an angular clearance such that the inner spindle can drive the latch spindle relative to the outer spindle by engagement between the inner engaging structure and the handing structure.