Universal Rim Housing Locking System for Glass Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking systems for glass doors require new handle assemblies when switching between different lock cylinder standards, necessitating costly replacements.

Innovation Solution

A transition plate that accommodates lock cylinders of multiple standards by moving between positions to align with corresponding set screw holes, allowing for the installation of either a first or second standard lock cylinder, coupled with a mechanical linkage to operate the locking bolt.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a lock cylinder of a specific standard is installed in a door handle assembly, then the lock cylinder can be securely mounted and operated, but the assembly cannot accommodate lock cylinders of different standards without replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different lock cylinder standardsVSAvoidcomplexity of handle assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is divided into separate functional components: a universal mounting plate that interfaces with the door handle structure, and an interchangeable lock cylinder component. The mounting plate contains multiple sets of alignment features (first alignment features for first standard, second alignment features for second standard) that can accommodate different lock cylinder standards without replacing the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting plate is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate multiple lock cylinder standards. It includes multiple tail piece receptacles (first tail piece receptacle, second tail piece receptacle) and corresponding alignment features that can interface with different standard lock cylinders, allowing a single handle assembly to serve multiple locking standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire handle assembly is replaced to switch lock cylinder standards, then compatibility with the new standard is achieved, but cost and time are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to switch between lock standardsVSAvoidtime required for lock standard conversion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lock cylinder is extracted as a separate, removable component from the handle assembly. The mounting plate remains in the assembly and provides the interface for different lock cylinder standards. This allows the lock cylinder to be removed and replaced independently without disturbing the rest of the handle assembly, significantly reducing conversion time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting plate is pre-configured with multiple sets of alignment features and tail piece receptacles during manufacturing, preparing the assembly to accommodate different lock cylinder standards in advance. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for field modifications or custom fabrication when switching standards, allowing for quick installation of different lock cylinders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If alignment features are provided for multiple lock cylinder standards in the same assembly, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple lock cylinder standardsVSAvoidprecision of alignment features positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the mounting plate are designed with specific local characteristics tailored to different lock cylinder standards. The first alignment features and first tail piece receptacle are positioned and dimensioned for the first standard, while the second alignment features and second tail piece receptacle are configured for the second standard. This localized specialization allows each region to precisely accommodate its corresponding standard without compromising overall manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11697951B2Universal rim housing locking system

Publication Date: 2023.07.11 T CONCEPTS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A handle assembly includes a lock cylinder of a selected one of a first standard or a different second standard. A tail piece extends from the lock cylinder. The handle assembly also includes a vertical tubular member, a horizontal tubular member and a transition plate. The transition plate is disposed within the vertical tubular member and is moveable between a first position and a different second position. The transition plate accommodates installation of the lock cylinder of the first standard when in the first position and installation of the lock cylinder of the second standard when in the second position. A mechanical linkage is coupled to the tail piece and effects movement of a locking bolt in response to turning of a key in the lock cylinder.