Electrically Energized Cylinder Lock with Torsion Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically energized cylinder locks are costly due to numerous parts and complex assemblies, with insufficient space for coils and magnets, and are vulnerable to unauthorized operation through vibration or magnet manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrically energized cylinder lock design utilizing a standard direct-current motor and a torsion spring element to minimize parts and power consumption, with the motor positioned near the inner knob and the outer plug freely rotatable to hinder external access, ensuring the blocking elements are deep within the lock housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an electromagnetic coil and permanent magnets are used to achieve two stable positions for the operating rod, then the lock can be operated with low power consumption, but the lock housing provides insufficient space to accommodate the coil and magnets, requiring them to be received in the inner knob
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic coil and permanent magnets with a standard direct-current motor to actuate the coupling mechanism. This substitution eliminates the space requirements for large magnetic components while maintaining the ability to achieve stable positions through motor control, thereby resolving the space constraint in the lock housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard direct-current motor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuator for the coupling mechanism and the power consumption source. By using a commercially available motor with known power characteristics, the design achieves both functional requirements (actuation and power management) with a single component.
2Ease of manufacture
If a standard direct-current motor is used to actuate the coupling mechanism, then the lock can be manufactured at low cost with minimal parts, but the motor must be positioned near the inner knob which complicates the internal arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the direct-current motor within the inner plug structure, nesting it near the inner knob. The motor's output shaft is operatively connected to the coupling mechanism through the inner plug, allowing compact arrangement of components within the cylindrical space while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized motor mounting.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If blocking elements are positioned deep within the lock housing to prevent unauthorized operation, then security against vibration and magnet manipulation is improved, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex to actuate these deep-positioned blocking elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control element with a control part that has different diameter portions as an intermediary between the motor and the blocking elements. This control element translates the motor's rotational motion into the radial movement of blocking elements, simplifying the coupling mechanism while allowing the blocking elements to be positioned deep within the lock housing for enhanced security.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer plug is made freely rotatable in the uncoupled position to hinder external access, then unauthorized manipulation is prevented, but the coupling between outer and inner plug must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling mechanism where the outer plug transitions between freely rotatable (uncoupled) and non-rotatably connected (coupled) states. The direct-current motor actuates the coupling mechanism to engage blocking elements with blocking recesses, providing precise control over the coupling state while maintaining free rotatability when uncoupled, thus balancing security requirements with operational flexibility.
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 design results in a low-cost, robust, and reliable lock with reduced power consumption and enhanced security against unauthorized access, as the electric motor only needs brief energization and the blocking elements are protected from external manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (32) which is provided with a rotatable output shaft (34) operatively connected to the coupling mechanism (30)
Implementation Method 2
a torsion spring element (50) which by a first end is nonrotatably connected with the second driving assembly element (48) and which by a second end is nonrotatably connected with the control element (36)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Cylinder lock including an electric motor which operates a coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism including a blocking assembly with a control element that controls the position of a blocking element. The blocking element in a blocking position engages in a blocking recess in an outer plug of the cylinder lock. The control element is connected via a transmission with an output rotation shaft of the electric motor. The transmission preferably includes a bistable driving assembly and a torsion spring element which connects the bistable driving assembly with the control element, so that only a brief energization of the electric motor is needed to bring the bistable driving assembly from one stable position to the other stable position, and when the blocking element cannot be brought into the blocking position directly, the energy supplied by the electric motor is temporarily stored as built-up spring tension, after which the control element rotates further under the influence of the spring tension as soon as the blocking element can move into a blocking recess.