Active Door Lock Mechanism with Mode-Transitioned Handle Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock systems, especially multipoint locks, require significant effort to operate and often lack seamless integration with smart home technology, limiting convenience and security in entryway management.
Innovation Solution
An access controller that transitions between modes to connect or disconnect the external handle of a lock mechanism based on user proximity or remote input, allowing for efficient operation of multipoint locks through authorized access, entry, and unlocking modes, with timed transitions to ensure secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multipoint locks with multiple latches or bolts are used to enhance security, then the security and sealing of the entryway is improved, but the effort required to operate the lock increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch operations into a single handle rotation action. When the user rotates the exterior handle, a single actuation mechanism simultaneously extends or retracts multiple latches and bolts spaced apart from one another, allowing all locking points to be engaged or disengaged with one operation rather than requiring separate actions for each latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The exterior handle serves multiple functions: it acts as both a door opening mechanism and a lock actuation device. By integrating the handle operation with the latch actuation, the system allows the same motion to perform both door opening and locking/unlocking functions, reducing the need for separate operations.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cylindrical or mortise locks are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the security and sealing capability is insufficient compared to multipoint locks
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is segmented into multiple independent latches and bolts spaced apart from one another, with each component contributing to the overall security. This segmentation allows the system to provide enhanced security through distributed locking points while maintaining the simplicity of a single handle operation that controls all segments simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If powered systems are used to control deadbolts remotely, then the convenience of remote locking is improved, but the packaging size and complexity on the door panel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an access controller as an intermediary device that mediates between the remote control signals and the mechanical latch system. This controller receives signals from remote devices, processes the access commands, and actuates the appropriate latches or bolts, enabling remote operation without requiring large powered mechanisms directly mounted on the door panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking with electronic control mechanisms. Instead of requiring physical keys and mechanical tumblers, the patent uses electronic access controllers that can be triggered by remote devices, smartphones, or other electronic inputs to actuate the latches, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a lock mechanism of an active door includes transiting an access controller of the lock mechanism to an authorized access mode and transitioning the access controller from the authorized access mode to an entry mode. Transitioning the access controller to the authorized access mode is in response to an authorized user being sensed approaching the active door from an exterior side of the active door or in response to input on a remote device. In the authorized access mode, an exterior handle of the active door is decoupled from a main latch of the lock mechanism. Transitioning the access controller to the entry mode is in response to sensed contact with the exterior handle. In the entry mode, the exterior handle is capable of rotating to transition the access controller to an unlocked mode in which the exterior handle is operably coupled to the main latch.