Dial Ring Assembly for Self-Powered Electromechanical Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-security electromechanical combination locks often require frequent battery replacements due to reliance on integral electrical generators that necessitate substantial angular rotation of the combination dial, exceeding the rotation needed for entry.
Innovation Solution
A dial ring assembly with a gear train that connects a rotatable dial and lever to an external generator shaft, allowing for electrical energy generation through both dial and lever rotation, supplemented by a photovoltaic array for additional power, and featuring an electronic display and communication capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an integral self-generating electrical power source is used, then battery replacement frequency is reduced, but the angular rotation of the combination dial must be substantially increased beyond what is necessary to enter the combination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power generation function from the combination dial by introducing a separate lever assembly. The combination dial handles only combination entry while the lever assembly handles power generation through its own dedicated rotation path and gear train connection to the generator, allowing each component to perform its function efficiently without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gear train as an intermediary mechanism between the lever assembly and the electrical generator. This gear train translates the lever's rotational motion into generator shaft rotation, providing mechanical advantage and enabling power generation with minimal lever rotation while keeping the combination dial rotation independent and minimal
2Ease of operation
If a gear train is introduced to connect the dial and lever to the generator shaft, then the system complexity increases, but the ease of operation is improved by reducing the rotation required for power generation
Solution Approach 1:
The gear train serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits mechanical power from the lever to the generator, provides mechanical advantage to reduce lever rotation requirements, and isolates the combination dial from power generation requirements. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The lever assembly with its gear train connection to the generator creates a self-service power generation system. The lever mechanism automatically converts user input into electrical power through the gear train without requiring external power sources or complex control systems, making the lock self-sufficient
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
Reduces the need for frequent battery replacements by generating electrical energy through efficient rotation of the dial and lever, while providing a secure and user-friendly locking mechanism with enhanced power sustainability and communication features.
Implementation Method 1
an external generator disposed in the housing, the external generator being configured to generate electrical energy through rotation of an external generator shaft of the external generator
Implementation Method 2
supplemented by a photovoltaic array for additional power
Data Source
AI summary
A dial ring assembly for an electromechanical combination lock includes a housing configured to be mounted on an exterior of a securable enclosure, a dial rotatably disposed on the housing, the dial being rotatable about a dial axis for use in connection with entry of a combination, a lever rotatably disposed on the housing, the lever being rotatable about a lever axis, an external generator disposed in the housing, the external generator being configured to generate electrical energy through rotation of an external generator shaft of the external generator, and a gear train disposed in the housing and operatively connecting the dial, the lever, and the external generator shaft such that rotation of the dial rotates the external generator shaft to produce electrical energy and rotation of the lever rotates the external generator shaft to produce electrical energy.