Vertical Actuating Section for Accessible Door Locks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door arrangements with panic bars have the actuating section positioned too high, making it difficult for children or wheelchair users to operate, while relocating it downwards compromises ease of use for individuals of average height.

Innovation Solution

The actuating device's main axis is oriented vertically, allowing the actuating section to be positioned at various heights, with a length of at least 15 cm to 30 cm, ensuring comfortable operation for people of different sizes, and incorporating a scissor mechanism and reversing gear for flexible installation, preventing finger pinching and maintaining a consistent door frame distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the actuating section is positioned high on the door leaf, then ease of operation for average-height individuals is improved, but accessibility for children and wheelchair users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operation for average-height individualsVSAvoidaccessibility for children and wheelchair users
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating device is designed to extend in the vertical direction (another dimension) rather than only horizontally, allowing it to reach heights accessible to average-height individuals while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint that doesn't compromise door width utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating device incorporates a pivoting mechanism that allows it to rotate between horizontal and vertical orientations, enabling adaptation to different installation positions and user needs while maintaining effective operation for all user groups

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the actuating section extends over the entire width of the door leaf, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating device is segmented into a modular construction with a housing, pivoting part, and actuating section that can function independently, allowing the actuating section to be positioned vertically without requiring extension across the entire door width

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating section exploits the vertical dimension to achieve sufficient actuation length (at least 15 cm) without requiring horizontal extension across the full door width, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining operational effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2921618B1Door assembly
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 BKS
  • EP2921618B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2921618B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2921618B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a door arrangement (10) comprising a door (12) with a door leaf (14) for locking and releasing a frame (16), wherein a locking device (24) is provided for the releasable, frame-side fixing of the door (12), which comprises a lock case (26) with at least one locking element (32) actuated by means of a lever nut (28) and at least one actuating device (34) coupled to the lever nut (28) with an actuating section (36) extending along a main axis (38) and which can be actuated by an operator with an operating force (46) directed towards the door leaf (14) for the mechanical unlocking of the locking element (32), wherein the main axis (38) of the actuating section (36) is or can be arranged in a vertical direction with respect to gravity.