Bi-stable Actuator for Electronic Lock Using Magnetic Repulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic door locks powered by alkaline batteries face limited service life due to energy drain in office mode, necessitating frequent battery replacements and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system utilizing a stationary magnet assembly and a movable beam, magnetically repulsed to maintain positions without battery power, reducing energy consumption and extending battery life by allowing human torque to assist in operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a piezoelectric bender is used as the prime mover to actuate the clutch or latch, then the mechanical lock can be operated, but the battery service life is reduced due to continuous energy consumption in office mode
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric bender is activated only periodically when clutch engagement is required (during challenge mode or initial lock), rather than continuously. In office mode, the clutch remains engaged without requiring continuous piezoelectric activation, thereby eliminating continuous energy consumption while maintaining lock operation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism is designed to self-maintain engagement once activated. The mechanical clutch structure maintains its engaged state without requiring continuous energy input from the piezoelectric bender, allowing the system to serve itself by maintaining the locked state passively after initial actuation.
2Ease of operation
If the piezoelectric bender is activated and maintained in engagement with the clutch in office mode, then unchallenged entry is permitted, but battery service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric bender is activated only periodically when clutch engagement is required (during challenge mode or initial lock), rather than continuously. In office mode, the clutch remains engaged without requiring continuous piezoelectric activation, thereby eliminating continuous energy consumption while maintaining lock operation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism is designed to self-maintain engagement once activated. The mechanical clutch structure maintains its engaged state without requiring continuous energy input from the piezoelectric bender, allowing the system to serve itself by maintaining the locked state passively after initial actuation.
3Reliability
If batteries are used to power the mechanical lock and electronic control, then the lock functions reliably, but frequent battery replacement is required due to limited service life
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric bender is activated only periodically when clutch engagement is required (during challenge mode or initial lock), rather than continuously. In office mode, the clutch remains engaged without requiring continuous piezoelectric activation, thereby eliminating continuous energy consumption while maintaining lock operation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism is designed to self-maintain engagement once activated. The mechanical clutch structure maintains its engaged state without requiring continuous energy input from the piezoelectric bender, allowing the system to serve itself by maintaining the locked state passively after initial actuation.
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 actuator significantly reduces battery power draw, increasing the service life of batteries and decreasing operational costs associated with frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
The second magnet assembly is connected to the beam and is configured to be magnetically repulsed away from the first magnet assembly. The repulsion of the second magnet assembly maintains the beam in either the first or second position until the beam is selectively actuated therefrom.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for an electronic door lock includes a stationary first magnet assembly, a beam, and a second magnet assembly. The first magnet includes at least one magnet stationarily positioned within the electronic door lock. The beam is movable relative to the first magnet assembly to a first position and a second position. The second magnet assembly is connected to the beam and is configured to be magnetically repulsed away from the first magnet assembly. The repulsion of the second magnet assembly maintains the beam in either the first or second position until the beam is selectively actuated therefrom.