Door Handle Assembly with Selective Mechanical Coupling for Low-Power Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locks with actuator-controlled bolts consume high energy, leading to frequent battery replacement and complex installation issues with cabled connections.
Innovation Solution
A door handle assembly that allows the bolt operation to be electronically controlled via mechanical energy from a second door handle, reducing energy consumption and enabling retrofitting on existing locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an actuator is used to move the bolt to the unlock position, then the door lock can be unlocked without a physical key and electronic access management is enabled, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent door handles: a first door handle (6) that remains mechanically connected to the bolt operating mechanism for direct mechanical operation, and a second door handle (8) that is electronically controllable and can be mechanically coupled to the first door handle via the coupling mechanism (12). This segmentation allows the system to offer electronic access control through the second handle while preserving the energy-efficient mechanical operation path through the first handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism (12) acts as an intermediary that can selectively connect the second door handle (8) to the first door handle (6). When in the coupling position, it transmits mechanical energy from the second handle to operate the bolt. When in the release position, it disconnects the second handle, preventing unauthorized mechanical operation. This intermediary mechanism enables flexible control over which handle is operational.
2Ease of operation
If a battery is used to power the actuator, then wireless electronic control is enabled, but the battery runs down fast and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring continuous battery power to maintain the locked state, the system uses periodic or on-demand activation of the coupling mechanism (12) through the second door handle (8). The battery only needs to provide brief pulses of energy to engage or disengage the coupling mechanism, rather than continuously powering an actuator. This transforms the energy consumption pattern from continuous to periodic, dramatically extending battery life.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a cabled connection is used to power the actuator, then sufficient energy is available, but the installation process becomes drastic and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex cabled connection requirement by designing the system to operate with a simple battery-powered coupling mechanism (12) instead. The second door handle (8) and its coupling mechanism can be installed as a self-contained unit requiring only minimal electrical connection for the battery, eliminating the need for complex cabled power and control connections throughout the door lock system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electronic access control is implemented, then access management is facilitated, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second door handle (8) serves multiple functions: it can be used independently for mechanical operation when coupled to the first handle, it can serve as an interface for electronic access control systems, and it provides an alternative entry point for users. The coupling mechanism (12) also provides dual functionality by enabling both mechanical coupling for operation and serving as the interface for electronic control signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism (12) is designed to be dynamically controllable, switching between coupled and released states based on access control requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its functionality in real-time: when access is authorized, the second handle can be coupled and used; when access should be restricted, the coupling is released. This dynamic behavior enables sophisticated access management without requiring permanently complex mechanical structures.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Door handle assembly comprising a first door handle (6) and a first spindle (14) which extends along a spindle axis (K). The spindle (14) is nonrotatably connected with the first door handle (6) and is couplable with a spindle hole of a door lock (2). The door handle assembly further comprises a second door handle (8) and a second spindle (16) nonrotatably connected therewith which extends along the spindle axis (K). An electrically operable coupling mechanism (12) is configured for, in a coupling position, connecting a second door handle (8) nonrotatably with a first door handle (6) and, in a release position, releasing the rotation of the second door handle (8) with respect to the first door handle (6). Further, a door lock (2) is described which is provided with such a door handle assembly.