Deadbolt Position Sensor Using Conductive Member and Potentiometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deadbolt locking systems face challenges in accurately reporting the deadbolt position, especially in electromechanically activatable systems that can also be manually actuated, due to high-speed motor outputs and the complexity added by physical thumb-turns, leading to inefficiencies and energy-intensive monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A deadbolt sensing system that includes a controller, output shaft, and conductive member, where the angular position of the output shaft corresponds to the deadbolt position, using a combination of conductive traces and a potentiometer to determine the deadbolt's position with reduced energy consumption by only activating sensors when necessary, and an ambidextrous design for left- and right-hand installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous sensor monitoring is used to accurately detect deadbolt position, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic triggering based on deadbolt position events rather than continuous monitoring. The conducting member makes intermittent contact with conductive traces at specific angular positions to trigger position detection, allowing the rotation sensor to remain inactive during normal operation and only activate when the deadbolt reaches critical positions, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision when needed.
2Measurement precision
If complex monitoring systems are implemented to track deadbolt position in manually actuated systems, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential position detection function from complex continuous monitoring systems. By using simple conducting member contacts that engage with conductive traces at predetermined angular positions, the system obtains sufficient position information without requiring complex sensors or continuous electronic monitoring, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate measurement precision for security applications.
3Productivity
If high-speed motor output is used for electromechanical actuation, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in determining exact shaft position
Solution Approach 1:
The conducting member acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates high-speed motor shaft rotation into discrete position signals. As the shaft rotates at high speed, the conducting member periodically contacts conductive traces at specific angular positions, converting continuous rotational motion into discrete position events that the controller can accurately detect and process, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite high actuation speeds.
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 accurate and efficient deadbolt position monitoring, allowing for optimal motor operation and reduced energy usage by activating sensors only when the deadbolt is in critical positions, while accommodating both manual and electromechanical actuation.
Implementation Method 1
A conducting member is operatively coupled to the output shaft and constructed and arranged to move with the output shaft. At least one pair of conductive traces is electrically connectable with the conducting member at a plurality of angular positions of the output shaft
Implementation Method 2
The rotation sensor monitors the angular position of the output shaft. The controller is configured to determine a position of the deadbolt based at least on a first contacting position of the conducting member with the at least one pair of conductive traces
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a motorized door lock detection system. Some embodiments of the device include a sensor gear that meshes directly with the gear system of the motorized door lock. As the sensor gear rotates, it drives the rotating contact of a potentiometer, varying the voltage in a reference circuit that corresponds directly with an angular position of the thumb-drive used to drive the deadbolt. In some embodiments, a conducting member that rotates with the output shaft of the deadbolt contacts a plurality of electrical contacts positioned such that they are contacted when the deadbolt is in a position range that requires more precise position monitoring. When the conducting member is in contact with a deadbolt, power is supplied such the output from the potentiometer can be determined. In this way, power to the potentiometer and/or controller driving the potentiometer can be limited.