Deadbolt Position Sensing Using Magnetic Home Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deadbolt control and position sensing systems are often expensive, unreliable, and require high electric power, failing to provide efficient and reliable electronic deadbolt locking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A deadbolt control and sensing apparatus featuring a final gear with first and second magnets to indicate home positions for left and right-handed doors, respectively, along with a primary magnetic sensor and a flipper switch to determine the deadbolt's position and prevent unauthorized unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing deadbolt control and position sensing systems are used, then deadbolt position can be determined, but the system becomes expensive and requires high electric power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeadbolt position sensing reliabilityVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical position sensing mechanisms with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnets are embedded in the deadbolt assembly and detected by a magnetic sensor, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical linkages, encoders, or complex electrical systems while significantly reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential magnetic sensing function from complex position sensing systems. By using simple magnets and a magnetic sensor, the system isolates the core positioning capability while removing unnecessary complex mechanical and electrical components that consume excessive power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If existing deadbolt control and position sensing systems are used, then deadbolt position can be determined, but the system becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeadbolt position sensing reliabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive magnets and simple magnetic sensors instead of expensive precision mechanical components. The magnets are easily embedded in the deadbolt assembly, and the magnetic sensor is a low-cost component that provides reliable position detection, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex and expensive mechanical position sensing mechanisms with a simple magnetic field-based system. This substitution eliminates the need for precision mechanical linkages, encoders, or complex electrical systems, reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If existing deadbolt control and position sensing systems are used, then deadbolt position can be determined, but the system becomes unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition sensing reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical position sensing mechanisms with a magnetic field-based sensing system. This substitution eliminates wear, friction, and mechanical failure modes associated with traditional mechanical linkages and encoders, thereby improving reliability while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient, reliable, and cost-effective control and position sensing of deadbolts, reducing power consumption and enhancing security by preventing unauthorized access.

Implementation Method 1

a primary sensor operable to sense a magnetic flux of the first and second magnets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12234670B2Method and apparatus for deadbolt position sensing

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to an electronic deadbolt control system including a deadbolt configured to extend or retract between a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively. An output shaft connected between a final gear and the deadbolt is configured to transmit an actuation force to the deadbolt from an electric motor. A first magnet and a second magnet are associated with the final gear to define a home position for either a left hand deadbolt or a right hand deadbolt. A cam is positioned on the output shaft to engage with a switch such that, in combination with a threshold current motor output, the control system determines whether the deadbolt is in an extended position or a retracted position. A thumb-turn shaft is disengaged from the final gear in the home position to permit manual actuation of a thumb-turn.