Deadbolt Alignment Sensing and Magnetic Assist Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock systems, particularly deadbolts, face inefficiencies in alignment sensing and power conservation, leading to mechanical wear and unnecessary power consumption when attempting to extend or retract the deadbolt without proper alignment, and lack effective mechanisms for detecting unauthorized entry attempts.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an alignment system using optical or magnetic sensors to ensure the deadbolt is aligned with its cavity before extension or retraction, combined with an alignment assist mechanism using magnets to guide the door into alignment, and sensors to detect the state of the bolt and dead-latch bar for enhanced security and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the deadbolt is extended or retracted without alignment sensing, then the actuator can operate continuously, but mechanical wear increases and power is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment sensing system detects the alignment between the deadbolt and cavity before the actuator attempts to extend or retract the deadbolt. This preliminary detection prevents the actuator from operating when misaligned, thereby reducing mechanical wear and avoiding unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact and force-based alignment detection with optical or magnetic sensing fields. The optical sensor detects alignment through light transmission or reflection without physical contact, while magnetic sensors detect the position of magnetized components, both eliminating the need for mechanical wear during alignment detection.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the actuator operates without alignment confirmation, then the system is simpler, but power consumption increases due to repeated failed attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment sensing system performs detection before actuation, confirming proper alignment between the deadbolt and cavity. This prevents the actuator from consuming power during misaligned operations, thereby reducing overall power consumption while adding alignment detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical or magnetic sensors provide feedback about the alignment status to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to determine when the deadbolt is properly aligned with the cavity, allowing power-efficient operation by activating the actuator only when alignment is confirmed.
3Reliability
If no alignment sensing is used, then the device is simpler, but unauthorized entry through picking or fraudulent retraction cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical sensors and magnetic sensors to detect the position and state of the deadbolt and dead-latch bar without mechanical contact. This substitution of mechanical sensing with field-based sensing enhances security by enabling detection of unauthorized manipulation attempts while reducing mechanical wear on sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system continuously monitors the state of the deadbolt and dead-latch bar, providing feedback to the control system. This enables detection of unauthorized entry attempts such as lock picking or fraudulent retraction, as the system can identify when components are moved without proper actuation.
4Strength
If the deadbolt is made heavier and stronger for security, then resistance to lock picking improves, but the actuator requires more force and power
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment sensing system confirms proper alignment before the actuator attempts to move the deadbolt. This prevents the actuator from encountering obstructions or requiring excessive force due to misalignment, thereby reducing the power requirement even though the deadbolt itself is made heavier and stronger for security.
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
This solution reduces mechanical wear and power consumption by ensuring proper alignment before actuation, enhances security through precise alignment and state sensing, and prevents unauthorized entry by ensuring the deadbolt cannot be picked or retracted fraudulently.
Implementation Method 1
The alignment system may emit light from the deadbolt itself, and the light is matched with a light sensor installed in the cavity
Implementation Method 2
both the light emitting port and the light receiver (for the sensor) may be provided on the deadbolt side of the lock and may be matched with a reflector in the cavity
Implementation Method 3
Magnetic sensors and other types of sensors can also be used
Implementation Method 4
an alignment assisting device ('alignment assist'), e.g. a matching set of magnets installed immediately adjacent to the fastener and the cavity, to urge a closed or partially-closed door into an aligned state
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system senses whether or not a lock's bolt (140), e.g. deadbolt, is aligned with a hole (150) which the bolt is to engage in the locked state. In electronic locks, the bolt is not driven into the hole until the sensing system indicates that the bolt is aligned with the hole. Another sensing system senses the position of the bolt and/or a dead-latch bar (1310). This sensing system is spaced from the bolt's end engaging the hole in order not to interfere with the alignment sensing. The two sensing systems are used to determine whether the lock is locked or unlocked. A magnet system provides alignment assistance to align the bolt with the hole before the bolt is driven into the hole. Position encoding for lock and non-lock devices, and other features and embodiments are also provided.