Compact Lock Driving Device Using Nested Rotary Housing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driving devices for unlocking and locking intelligent locks are bulky due to the size of power supply batteries and other components, making them unsuitable for compact installations.

Innovation Solution

A driving device with a rotary housing and a ring with teeth that cooperates with a toothed wheel, featuring an electronic control unit with wireless control capabilities, including sensors and a manual control button, and an electric energy source, allowing for compact integration and remote operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional driving devices use large power supply batteries and bulky components, then the device can provide sufficient power and mechanical drive capability, but the device size becomes too large for compact installations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidpower supply capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical power transmission systems with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor converts electrical energy directly to rotational motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical gear assemblies and large batteries, thereby significantly reducing device volume while maintaining adequate power output for lock actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structural arrangement where the electric motor, gear assembly, and other components are compactly integrated within a small housing. The toothed wheel is positioned within the housing, and the control element passes through the housing to connect with the lock mechanism, allowing maximum component density in minimal space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the driving device is made compact by reducing component size, then the device fits better in confined spaces, but the power supply capability and mechanical drive force are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmechanical drive force
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes traditional mechanical advantage systems with an electric motor that generates sufficient torque directly. The motor's electromagnetic force conversion provides adequate mechanical drive force for lock actuation without requiring large mechanical components or complex force multiplication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the gear assembly parameters, including toothed wheel dimensions and gear ratios, to maximize mechanical advantage within the compact housing. By carefully selecting gear parameters and optimizing the transmission system, sufficient drive force is achieved despite the reduced overall device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the driving device includes all necessary components for wireless control and power supply, then the device achieves full functionality, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless control capabilityVSAvoidcomponent integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit: the electric motor serves both as the primary actuator and can be controlled wirelessly; the housing provides both structural support and mounting for all components; the control element serves as both a mechanical connector and a signal transmission path. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding wireless capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the power supply, control electronics, mechanical drive system, and wireless communication components into a single integrated housing. By combining these previously separate systems into one unified device, the patent manages complexity through integration rather than multiplication of separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables compact and efficient unlocking and locking of intelligent locks without the need for external power, with wireless control via mobile applications, reducing the device's size and enhancing usability.

Implementation Method 1

The driving assembly comprises a source of electric current, an electric motor and a gear assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The driving power from the electric motor is transmitted via the gear assembly, consisting of toothed wheels, to a component used to control the lock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

The driving device is fitted with a ring with teeth to cooperate with the toothed wheel of the driving assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3631129B1Driving device for unlocking and locking a lock
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 TEDEE IP SP ZOO
  • EP3631129B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3631129B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Driving device (1) for unlocking and locking a lock (1') enabling access to protected areas, comprising a driving assembly (2) comprising a source of current, an electric motor and a gear assembly terminated in a toothed wheel (3) and arranged in a rotary housing (5), wherein the lock (1') has a body (4) in which a control element (6) of the lock (1') is seated rotatably, is characterized in that the housing (5) is seated in a bearing in the body (4) of the lock (1') by means of the control element (6), to which the housing is connected in a fixed manner, and the driving device (1) is fitted with a ring (7) with teeth (8) to cooperate with the toothed wheel (3) of the driving assembly (2), seated in a bearing rotatably with respect to the housing (5), wherein the ring (7) is arranged coaxially with the rotary housing (5) and in a fixed manner with respect to the body (4) of the lock (1').