Bolting Mechanism with Mechanical Code Lock for Power Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic access control systems for securing doors are problematic in environments where power is intermittent or needs to be deliberately removed, such as on building sites or during religious observances, as they often rely on power to function and may not provide secure access without continuous electricity.

Innovation Solution

A bolting mechanism that combines mechanical and electrical components, featuring a mechanical code lock, a deadbolt mechanism with an electrical actuator, and two key-actuated controllers. This mechanism allows for secure door operation regardless of power availability, with the mechanical code lock and key cylinders providing alternative modes of access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic access control systems are used to control door access, then access control functionality is improved, but reliability deteriorates when power is intermittent or removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoidsecurity reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The access control system is segmented into two independent subsystems: an electronic access control subsystem and a mechanical code lock subsystem. Each subsystem can operate independently, allowing the mechanical system to function when electronic power is unavailable. The drive mechanism is divided into separate control paths - one powered and one unpowered - enabling redundant operation modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical code lock system serves as a pre-prepared backup mechanism that can immediately take over access control functions when power failure occurs. The system is designed with this mechanical redundancy in advance, ensuring continuous security without requiring external power sources for the mechanical subsystem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If multiple doors are provided to ensure access control without power dependency, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control reliabilityVSAvoiddoor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electronic access control mechanism and mechanical code lock mechanism into a single integrated door assembly. Both control systems share common components including the door structure, handle, and locking elements, eliminating the need for separate doors while maintaining independent operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The door assembly is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple access control purposes through a single structure. The same door and handle assembly can be controlled by either electronic means or mechanical means, providing universal access control functionality without requiring duplicate door structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single door is used with both electronic and mechanical access control, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor system complexityVSAvoidaccess control operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A control linkage mechanism serves as an intermediary between the electronic access control system and the mechanical locking system. This intermediary component automatically coordinates the operation of both systems, ensuring that when electronic access is granted, the mechanical lock is simultaneously released, and vice versa, simplifying the user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive mechanism is designed with self-coordinating capabilities where the electronic and mechanical control systems automatically synchronize their operations. The system self-regulates the interaction between powered and unpowered components, eliminating the need for manual coordination by the user and maintaining intuitive operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 bolting mechanism ensures secure access control in both powered and unpowered conditions, providing a reliable solution for environments with intermittent power by integrating mechanical and electrical locking systems.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical actuator configured to release the deadbolt from the locked state when a release signal is received from an electrical or electronic access control unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS20250146327A1Bolting Mechanism
Publication Date: 2025.05.08 SURELOCK MCGILL
  • US20250146327A1 patent drawing
  • US20250146327A1 patent drawing
  • US20250146327A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A bolting mechanism includes a bolt movable between positions, a drive for bolt retraction and configured to be driven by a handle, a mechanical code lock having a key pad for receiving a code, and a controller configured to enable the code lock such that the code lock enables actuation of the drive by the handle on entry of a matching code. The mechanism further includes a deadbolt mechanism arranged to prevent the bolt from being driven by the handle when in the locked state. The deadbolt mechanism comprises an actuator for releasing the deadbolt when a signal is received from an access control unit, and a second controller for releasing the deadbolt on actuation by a matching key. The drive is configured to release the handle for driving the bolt to the retracted position when enabled by the mechanical code lock and the deadbolt mechanism releases the deadbolt mechanism.