Automated Locker Lock with Radial Force Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrically automated locks are vulnerable to mechanical impulses and vibrations, leading to unintended opening and tampering, particularly in automated locker systems, due to their sensitivity and lack of robustness.

Innovation Solution

A lock design that transmits force and impulse components tangentially to the pivot axis via a positive connection, reducing the intensity of impulses through frictional forces, and disperses them radially without torque transmission, incorporating a coupling element and latch with a spring bias for automated release, ensuring robustness and tamper-proof security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lock uses a conventional electromagnet design with direct force transmission, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the lock becomes vulnerable to mechanical impulses and vibrations causing unintended opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to mechanical impulsesVSAvoidlock construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary coupling element between the electromagnet armature and the latch mechanism. This coupling element absorbs and dissipates mechanical impulses and vibrations before they can reach the latch, preventing unintended opening while maintaining the overall simplicity of the lock design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism incorporates cushioning elements and damping features that are pre-positioned to absorb mechanical shocks and vibrations before they can cause the latch to disengage. This beforehand protection ensures reliable operation even under intense mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the lock uses friction-based retention to prevent tampering, then resistance to mechanical impulses improves, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex friction-based mechanical retention systems with a simplified electromagnetic holding mechanism. The electromagnet maintains the latch in the locked position through magnetic force, eliminating the need for complex friction-based gears and brake devices while reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the lock transmits force tangentially to the pivot axis, then impulse intensity is reduced, but the force transmission mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpulse intensityVSAvoidforce transmission mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved or spherical contact surfaces in the force transmission mechanism that redirect tangential impulse forces into radial components. This geometric approach naturally reduces the intensity of impulses transmitted to the latch while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The lock effectively withstands strong impacts and vibrations, preventing unintended opening and enhancing tamper-proof security with a simple, compact design using low-power drives, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and maintaining reliability over numerous cycles.

Implementation Method 1

The coupling element and latch may also be biased in the opening direction by means of a spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The lock pawl is coupled with a drive element in displacement, preferably with an electromagnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS8757677B2Lock which can be unlocked in an electrically automated manner, in particular for storage systems like lockers

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 KEBA HANDOVER AUTOMATION GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a lock (1) which can be released on an electrically automated basis, in particular for use with locker-type storage systems. A lock element (9) which can be introduced into the lock (1) is provided, which lock element (9) can be blocked in the lock (1) and thus holds a locker door (2) fixedly connected to the lock element (9) in the closed position. A lock pawl (14) which can be displaced in rotation to a limited degree is also provided, which engages with the lock element (9), either directly or indirectly via at least one displaceably mounted coupling element (12). The key feature of this is that the portion of a point of force transmission (33′) for the locking force transmitted to the lock pawl (14) is designed so that a positively-induced and abutment-induced transmission of forces and pulses from the lock element (9) or from a coupling element (12) optionally mounted in between to the lock pawl (14) is directed almost exclusively radially to its pivot axis (31) and any tangential force or impulse components which occur can be transmitted almost exclusively due to frictional forces at the point of force transmission (33′). This results in increased protection again the effects of tampering from outside.