Cylindrical Lock Clutching Reconfiguration Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock mechanisms with lever actuators often require significant time and effort to reconfigure between a clutching and a non-clutching configuration, lacking efficient methods to do so without additional components.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical lock mechanism that can be reconfigured between a clutching and a non-clutching configuration without using additional components, utilizing a lock control lug that selectively engages with a notch or an arcuate slot on the outer spring cage housing to change the operational orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lock mechanisms use fixed clutching or non-clutching configurations, then the lock structure is simple, but the adaptability to different operational requirements is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism transitions from fixed configurations to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The lever actuator can be selectively coupled or decoupled from the drive shaft through the clutching mechanism, allowing the system to adapt between different operational modes (clutching and non-clutching) based on security requirements, while using the same physical components without adding complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever actuator serves multiple functions by being capable of both clutching engagement and non-clutching operation. The same lever component can function as either a clutching actuator or a non-clutching actuator depending on the configuration, eliminating the need for separate components for each mode and maintaining structural simplicity while improving adaptability.
2Reliability
If lock mechanisms require additional components for reconfiguration, then the reliability of reconfiguration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism performs self-reconfiguration using its existing components. The lever actuator and drive shaft are designed to be selectively coupled or decoupled through their inherent mechanical interface, allowing the system to reconfigure between clutching and non-clutching modes without requiring external tools, additional components, or complex assembly procedures. This self-service capability maintains reliability while avoiding increased complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lock mechanisms use complex reconfiguration methods, then the adaptability between configurations is improved, but the time required for reconfiguration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfiguration process is segmented into simple, discrete steps involving the lever actuator and drive shaft interface. The mechanism allows for quick engagement or disengagement of the clutching function through straightforward mechanical manipulation, enabling rapid switching between operational modes without time-consuming procedures or complex assembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a lock assembly that can be converted between a clutching and non-clutching orientation by rotating an outer housing 180 degrees relative to an outside drive assembly. The outer housing includes a notch and an elongate arcuate slot formed in the inner surface of the outer housing adjacent a through aperture and across from one another. A lock control lug is moveably coupled with the outside drive assembly and is selectively engageable with the notch or the arcuate slot of the outer housing. An outer lever is placed in a non-clutching configuration when the lock control lug is engaged with the notch and in a clutching configuration when the lock control lug is engaged with the arcuate slot.