Fixed Turnpiece Deadbolt with Motor-Driven Locking Shifter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock systems lack a secure, manually operable electronic deadbolt mechanism that can be easily integrated into standard doors without requiring significant modifications, and they often fail to provide a reliable ratcheting effect for secure locking and unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A manually driven electronic deadbolt assembly with a fixed turnpiece, utilizing a clutch assembly and torque blade mechanism, where an exterior actuator assembly includes a motor-driven locking shifter that converts rotational motion into linear displacement to engage or disengage the torque blade, allowing for secure locking and unlocking without door modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional keyed deadbolt assembly is used, then the locking mechanism is simple and easy to manufacture, but the security level is insufficient and door modification is required for electronic versions
Solution Approach 1:
The deadbolt mechanism is divided into separate functional modules: a torque blade for rotational force transmission, a clutch assembly for engaged/disengaged states, and a locking shifter for position control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity and security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque blade acts as an intermediary element between the exterior turnpiece and the deadbolt mechanism, transmitting rotational torque without requiring direct mechanical connection. This intermediary approach enables electronic control while maintaining mechanical reliability and eliminating the need for door modifications.
2Extent of automation
If an electronic door latch is used, then motorized retraction is achieved, but door modification is required and manual operation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between manual and motorized operation modes. The clutch assembly can be engaged or disengaged based on operational requirements, allowing the turnpiece to directly drive the deadbolt during manual operation or the motor to drive the locking shifter during automated operation. This dynamic adaptability maintains both manual ease of operation and motorized automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The exterior turnpiece and clutch assembly serve multiple functions: they can directly drive the deadbolt mechanism during manual operation, or they can engage the motor-driven locking shifter during automated operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for manual and electronic operation, avoiding door modification while providing both operation modes.
3Reliability
If a ratcheting effect is provided by a clutch assembly, then secure locking is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the operational state, requiring no external control mechanisms. The internal spring and cam geometry provide self-regulating engagement, where the clutch naturally transitions between locked and unlocked states based on the torque direction and magnitude. This self-service approach achieves secure locking while minimizing complexity.
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 provides a secure, manually operable electronic deadbolt mechanism that integrates seamlessly into standard doors, offering reliable locking and unlocking functionality through a ratcheting effect, enhancing security without the need for door modifications.
Implementation Method 1
A rotational-to-linear motion converter is drivably interposed between the motor shaft and the locking shifter and is configured such that a rotation of the motor shaft in a first rotational direction about the second rotational axis results in an axial displacement of the locking shifter in a first longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior actuator assembly for a manually driven electronic deadbolt assembly includes a torque blade driver having a perimetrical lock recess, and is rotatable about a first rotational axis. A clutch assembly is drivably interposed between an exterior turnpiece and the torque blade driver. A motor shaft is arranged to rotate about a second rotational axis that is non-coaxial with the first rotational axis. A locking shifter is configured for axial translation along the second rotational axis. The locking shifter has a blocking tab portion configured for selective engagement with the perimetrical lock recess of the torque blade driver. A rotational-to-linear motion converter is drivably interposed between the motor shaft and the locking shifter and is configured such that a rotation of the motor shaft results in an axial displacement of the locking shifter to one of a locked position and an unlocked position.