Electronic Deadbolt Coupling Mechanism for Warped Door Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic locks face challenges in overcoming warped door conditions, leading to improper alignment of deadbolts and reduced battery life due to excessive motor usage, and existing manual solutions lack adjustability for various door installations.
Innovation Solution
An electronically-controlled, manually-actuated deadbolt lock with an internal spring-actuated coupling mechanism that allows manual rotation of a deadbolt latch, overcoming warped door conditions without additional electrical energy, and includes a clutch arrangement for adaptable handing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an electronic motor is used to retract or extend the deadbolt, then the deadbolt can be actuated automatically, but the motor cannot overcome warped door conditions and reduces battery life due to excessive force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the deadbolt actuation function into two independent modes: automatic motor-driven actuation for normal conditions, and manual crank-driven actuation for warped door conditions. This allows the motor to remain idle during manual operation, conserving battery energy while maintaining automation capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A manual crank mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the user and the deadbolt, providing an alternative actuation path that bypasses the motor entirely. This intermediary mechanism handles high-force situations without consuming electrical energy.
2Force
If additional force is applied by the electronic motor to overcome warped door conditions, then the deadbolt can be locked, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual crank acts as a mechanical intermediary that directly transmits user-applied force to the deadbolt through a gear mechanism, eliminating the need for the motor to generate high forces. This mechanical transmission path preserves battery energy while achieving the required actuation force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the electronic motor-driven mechanical system with a purely manual mechanical system (crank and gear mechanism) for high-force situations, eliminating electrical energy consumption while maintaining the ability to generate sufficient actuation force.
3Ease of operation
If a manual turn piece is selectively engaged with the deadbolt, then the deadbolt can be manually actuated, but existing solutions lack adjustability for various door installations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a movable actuator that can dynamically reposition along the actuating spindle to accommodate different door handing configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same lock mechanism to adapt to both right-handed and left-handed door installations while maintaining easy manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed with universal adaptability through the adjustable actuator position and symmetric coupling mechanism, enabling a single device to function correctly for both right-handed and left-handed door configurations without requiring model-specific variations.
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 solution enhances battery life by reducing motor operation and provides flexibility in configuring the lock for right- or left-handed door installations, ensuring proper deadbolt alignment and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a driving pin that engages a transmission spring such that, upon rotation of the actuating spindle, a position of the transmission spring changes relative to the driving pin along the first axis between a neutral position and a biasing position
Implementation Method 2
the pin being biased toward the disengaged position by a pin spring
Implementation Method 3
is biased toward the second position when the transmission spring is in the biasing position. Biasing the actuator toward the second position compresses the pin spring, and pushes the pin toward the engaged position
Data Source
AI summary
An electronically-controlled manually-actuated deadbolt lock is provided. The electronically-controlled manually-actuated deadbolt lock includes an internal spring-actuated coupling mechanism that, when a user is authenticated, the coupling mechanism is placed in an engaged position that allows a deadbolt latch to be moved into a locked or unlocked position responsive to a manual rotation of a turn piece. Because the deadbolt latch is manually driven, a warped door condition can be overcome. Additionally, because the deadbolt latch is manually actuated, operation of the electronic motor may be decreased, which may increase battery life.