DC Electric Unlocking System with Reciprocating Striker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric unlocking systems, particularly DC powered ones, face inefficiencies and drawbacks such as high power consumption, noise, risk of burning, and insufficient force to unlock doors or windows when under pressure, while AC powered systems are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A DC powered electric unlocking system with a solenoid-driven striker and control means that repeatedly connects and disconnects the power supply to create a back-and-forth movement, mimicking AC powered systems, using a spring-biased mechanism and sensor-based control to ensure continuous operation until the door is open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If DC powered unlocking systems provide only a single unlocking pulse to the striker, then power consumption is reduced and noise is lowered, but the force exerted on the locking lever is too small to effectively unlock the latch when the door or window is under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by repeatedly connecting and disconnecting the DC power supply to the solenoid at predetermined intervals. This creates multiple striking pulses on the locking lever, accumulating sufficient force to unlock the latch even when the door or window is under pressure, while still maintaining the low power consumption and noise characteristics of DC systems compared to continuous AC power.
2Force
If more powerful parts such as electric coils are provided to increase the striking force on the locking lever, then the unlocking force is improved, but the parts cannot be energized for more than a certain period of time (e.g., about one minute) or they may burn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic connection and disconnection of the power supply to the solenoid, energizing it only at specific intervals rather than continuously. This allows the use of powerful solenoids capable of delivering high striking force while limiting their operation time to prevent overheating and burning, thus resolving the contradiction between force and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means prepares the system by repeatedly energizing the solenoid in advance to build up the necessary force for unlocking, rather than relying on a single prolonged energization that would risk burning. The predetermined time intervals ensure the solenoid is ready to deliver maximum force without exceeding safe operational limits.
3Ease of operation
If AC powered systems are used to drive the striker with reciprocating movement at predetermined frequency, then the door or window can be released even when pressed by the user, but the systems have high power consumption, annoying noise, and risk of burning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the AC mechanical reciprocating system with a DC solenoid-based electromagnetic system. The solenoid converts electrical energy directly into linear motion of the striker, eliminating the need for complex AC motor mechanisms. This substitution maintains the ability to release doors under pressure through controlled periodic actuation while significantly reducing noise and power consumption compared to AC systems.
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 system provides a compact, efficient, and noiseless unlocking mechanism that effectively releases doors or windows even under external pressure, combining the advantages of DC and AC powered systems while reducing their respective drawbacks.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid (500) which, when actuated, drives the striker (300) towards the first locking lever (150)
Implementation Method 2
a spring (700) arranged to bias the striker (300) towards its initial position
Data Source
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AI summary
Electric unlocking system for unlocking a door, a window or the like It comprises a spring loaded striker (300) for unlocking a latch (200), striker driving means (500), a direct current electric circuit (600), and control means (800, 900) for causing the striker (300) to repeatedly connect and disconnect the striker driving means (500) as the electric circuit (600) closes and opens such as to cause the striker (300) to move back and forth to unlock the latch (200). The control means may comprise a striker sensor device (900) for actuating the striker (300) depending on its relative position inside a housing (400).