Deflectable Clutch Ring for Auto Door-Handing Lock Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic locks with different door opening directions (left or right) require complex mechanisms, leading to increased complexity and inconvenience for users.
Innovation Solution
A clutch ring structure with clutch protrusions and mounting members that deflect upon force application, integrated into a transmission and clutch mechanism, allowing flexible assembly and simplifying the mechanism design, and a transmission and positioning device that automatically determines door opening direction using a motor-driven clutch gear and signal washer system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different mechanisms are used for left opening and right opening electronic locks, then the door opening direction can be adapted, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch ring structure is designed with clutch protrusions that can engage with transmission protrusions on either side, allowing the same mechanism to function for both left opening and right opening doors. The clutch ring's symmetric design with protrusions extending in opposite directions enables it to adapt to different door configurations without requiring different mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch ring is designed to be deflectable under force, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. When force is applied parallel to the axis, the clutch ring deflects and the clutch protrusions move from one side of the transmission protrusion to the other, enabling automatic adaptation to different door opening directions without complex switching mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a clutch structure is added to disengage transmission gear and transmission shaft, then the latch positioning can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is segmented into distinct components: the clutch ring with clutch protrusions, the transmission shaft with transmission protrusions, and the clutch gear. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve controlled disengagement and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch ring acts as an intermediary element between the clutch gear and the transmission shaft. It mediates the power transmission by engaging or disengaging the clutch protrusions with the transmission protrusions, providing controlled positioning without requiring a complex direct coupling mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If automatic door opening direction determination is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but additional components like micro switches are required
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch ring structure automatically determines the door opening direction through its own mechanical deflection and protrusion movement. When force is applied during installation or operation, the clutch ring deflects and the clutch protrusions naturally position themselves on the appropriate side of the transmission protrusions, eliminating the need for external sensors or switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic sensing components like micro switches with a purely mechanical solution. The automatic direction determination is achieved through the mechanical deflection of the clutch ring and the positioning of its protrusions, substituting complex electronic detection systems with a simple mechanical self-positioning mechanism.
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
Simplifies the clutch mechanism design, reduces mechanical complexity, and enables automatic door opening direction determination, enhancing user convenience and reducing the need for additional components like micro switches.
Implementation Method 1
When a force parallel to the axis is exerted onto the at least one clutch protrusion, the at least one clutch protrusion is pushed by the force to allow the ring body to be deflected
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch ring structure includes a ring body including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other along an axis, at least one clutch protrusion extending outward from the first surface along the axis, and at least one mounting member extending outward from the second surface along the axis. When a force parallel to the axis is exerted onto the at least one clutch protrusion, the at least one clutch protrusion is pushed by the force to allow the ring body to be deflected.