Spring-Biased Deadbolt Lock with Wireless Solenoid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock devices, particularly those with deadbolts, lack a cost-effective and efficient mechanism for remote locking and unlocking while ensuring secure engagement and disengagement, and often require manual intervention for position changes.
Innovation Solution
A lock device with a deadbolt having a spring-biased mechanism and an electro-mechanical apparatus, controlled by a wireless controller, allowing for remote operation and manual override, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement through a stop member that can be energized or overridden by a key or handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a spring-biased deadbolt mechanism with electro-mechanical apparatus and wireless controller is implemented, then remote control capability and automation are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a spring-biased deadbolt system controlled by an electro-mechanical apparatus. The spring provides automatic retraction force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical returns, while the electro-mechanical actuator provides simple linear motion for extension. This substitution reduces overall mechanical complexity while enabling remote control via wireless signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control function from manual operation and separates it into an independent wireless controller and electro-mechanical apparatus. This allows the locking mechanism itself to remain mechanically simple while the control system handles automation, effectively separating complexity into a manageable electronic control layer rather than complicating the mechanical structure.
2Extent of automation
If a spring-biased deadbolt mechanism with electro-mechanical apparatus and wireless controller is implemented, then remote control capability and automation are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs commercially available, off-the-shelf components such as standard spring elements, common electro-mechanical actuators, and readily available wireless controller modules. By selecting components that are mass-produced and widely available rather than custom-engineered parts, the manufacturing cost is reduced despite the automated functionality. The system uses inexpensive, standardized parts that can be easily sourced and assembled.
3Reliability
If the deadbolt is held in locked position by an electro-mechanical apparatus, then security is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-mechanical apparatus operates periodically rather than continuously - it activates only momentarily to extend the deadbolt into the locked position, then the spring maintains the locked state passively without requiring continuous power. Similarly, the wireless controller operates periodically to receive remote signals and trigger locking/unlocking cycles. This periodic operation dramatically reduces power consumption compared to continuous operation while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically retracting the deadbolt and providing the force needed to return the system to the locked position without requiring continuous external power or active control. The electro-mechanical apparatus only needs to provide brief pulses of energy to overcome the spring force and extend the deadbolt, after which the spring takes over the work of maintaining and returning the locking state, minimizing overall power requirements.
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
Enables secure, cost-effective remote locking and unlocking of doors with automatic energy storage and release, enhancing convenience and security by integrating wireless control with mechanical operation.
Implementation Method 1
A spring directly engages and biases the first end of the deadbolt toward the second position thereof
Implementation Method 2
an electro-mechanical apparatus including a stop member structured to engage the deadbolt, in order to hold the deadbolt in the first position thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A door lock device includes a lock having a deadbolt with a first end and a second end. The second end is structured to disengage from an object, such as a portion of a door frame, in a first position and to engage the object in a second position. A spring directly engages and biases the first end of the deadbolt toward the second position thereof. A solenoid includes a plunger structured to engage the deadbolt, in order to hold the deadbolt in the first position thereof. A sensor is structured to sense at least one of the first and second positions of the deadbolt. A wireless controller is structured to receive a wireless signal and responsively energize the solenoid, in order to disengage the plunger of the solenoid from the deadbolt and release the deadbolt to the second position thereof.