Universal Lock Structure for Bidirectional Door Operation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exit device lock structures can only unlock in a single rotation direction, leading to inconvenience and additional costs when installed on doors of opposite handedness, requiring replacement.

Innovation Solution

A lock structure with a base, movable assembly, rotating member, and driving member that allows unlocking via both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, maintaining consistent unlock direction regardless of door handedness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lock structure is designed for single rotation direction only, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be used on both left-handed and right-handed doors without replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different door handednessVSAvoidlock structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock structure is designed with a rotating member having two protrusions and a sliding member with two openings, allowing the same lock to function on both left-handed and right-handed doors. The driving member can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to engage different protrusions, making the lock universal for different door configurations without requiring replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating member is segmented into two functional sides with distinct protrusions, and the sliding member has corresponding openings on opposite sides. This segmentation allows each side to independently handle different rotation directions, enabling the lock to adapt to different door handedness while maintaining a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the lock structure is replaced for different door handedness, then the unlock direction can be optimized, but additional cost and time are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlock operation convenienceVSAvoidtime for replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lock structure automatically adapts to different door handedness through its internal mechanism design. The driving member can rotate in either direction to engage the appropriate protrusion on the rotating member, allowing the lock to self-adjust without requiring external replacement or reconfiguration by users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the lock structure is replaced for different door handedness, then the unlock direction can be optimized, but additional cost is incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlock operation convenienceVSAvoidadditional cost for replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The lock structure is designed with a rotating member having two protrusions and a sliding member with two openings, allowing the same lock to function on both left-handed and right-handed doors. The driving member can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to engage different protrusions, making the lock universal for different door configurations without requiring replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8628125B2Lock structure

Publication Date: 2014.01.14 TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO LTD

AI summary

A lock structure with at least one latch comprises a base, a link member, a sliding member and a rotating member. The link member is moveable relative to the base to drive the latch. The sliding member is engaged with the link member and being capable of driving the link member. The rotating member is rotatably disposed between the base and the sliding member, wherein the rotating member is capable of driving the sliding member and the link member to drive the latch.