Electronic Deadbolt Installable Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic deadbolts face installation challenges due to pinched wires and aesthetic concerns related to their larger size compared to mechanical deadbolts, necessitating a compact and easily installable electronic deadbolt solution.

Innovation Solution

The electronic deadbolt assembly features a latch assembly with a bolt movable between extended and retracted positions, an exterior assembly with an electronic input device, and an interior assembly with an electronic control unit, including a gear train and an extendable electrical connector for easier installation, along with a compact design and user mode switching capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wiring harness is passed through a bore in the door for connection between exterior and interior assemblies, then electrical connection is achieved, but excess wires become pinched and installation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector is pre-configured with an extended configuration that positions the wiring harness away from potential pinching zones before installation occurs. This preliminary positioning prevents wire pinching during the installation process while maintaining reliable electrical connection between assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic deadbolt components are made larger to accommodate electronic components, then electronic control functionality is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to larger size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronic control functionalityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector utilizes an extended configuration in the dimensional space, allowing electronic components to be accommodated while maintaining a compact external profile. This dimensional arrangement enables electronic functionality without compromising aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the electrical connector is extended for easier access during installation, then installation ease is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidconnector configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector is segmented into distinct configuration states (extended and retracted), allowing it to adapt to different installation phases. This segmentation enables easy access during installation while maintaining a compact form when installed, balancing installation ease with device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9670696B2Electronic deadbolt
Publication Date: 2017.06.06 ASSA ABLOY AMERICAS RESIDENTIAL INC
  • US9670696B2 patent drawing
  • US9670696B2 patent drawing
  • US9670696B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic deadbolt assembly with a latch assembly having a bolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The deadbolt has an exterior assembly and an interior assembly. The exterior assembly has an electronic input device for entering a passcode and a wiring harness in electrical communication with the electronic input device. The interior assembly includes an electronic control assembly configured to move the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position responsive to an authorized passcode being entered in the electronic input device. The interior assembly has an electrical connector in electrical communication with the electronic control assembly that is configured to be connected with the connector on the exterior assembly.