Actuating Device for Door Locking Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuating devices for locking mechanisms of doors and windows require additional actuators for decoupling electromechanical drive devices, making them complex, costly, and inefficient for manual operation, especially when high force is needed to overcome the rest torque of the electromechanical drive.

Innovation Solution

An actuating device with an electromechanical drive system that allows manual operation by decoupling the driver element from the axle element, enabling manual rotation without interference from the drive device, and can be actuated electromechanically for remote operation without additional decoupling mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the electromechanical drive device is coupled to the axle element, then electromechanical actuation is enabled, but manual operation requires high force to overcome rest torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromechanical actuation capabilityVSAvoidmanual operation force requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The driver element is designed to be dynamically positionable between a coupled position (for electromechanical actuation) and a decoupled rest position (for manual operation). The blocking device dynamically changes the state of coupling between the driver element and axle element based on operational mode, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical connection state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking device acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls the interaction between the driver element and axle element. When activated, it prevents the driver element from interfering with manual rotation; when deactivated, it allows electromechanical drive transmission. This intermediary control resolves the conflict between automated and manual operation modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the electromechanical drive device is coupled to the axle element, then remote actuation is possible, but wear and tear on the drive device increases during manual operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote actuation capabilityVSAvoidwear and tear on drive device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its mechanical coupling state based on operational needs. During manual operation, the driver element is positioned in the rest position where it is decoupled from the axle element, preventing wear on the electromechanical drive device while maintaining the capability for remote actuation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The driver element is extracted from the load path during manual operation by positioning it in the rest position and activating the blocking device. This removes the electromechanical drive components from the manual operation path, preventing wear and tear while preserving the remote actuation functionality when the driver element is re-engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Extent of automation

If the electromechanical drive device is coupled to the axle element, then locking mechanism actuation is enabled, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism actuation capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between electromechanical and manual operation modes. The driver element transitions between coupled and decoupled states, allowing manual operation when energy conservation is needed while preserving the capability for electromechanical actuation when automation is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking device enables self-service operation by allowing users to manually actuate the locking mechanism without engaging the electromechanical drive device. This manual self-service mode conserves battery energy while maintaining full locking mechanism functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates easy manual operation without high force expenditure, reduces wear on the electromechanical drive, conserves energy, and allows remote electromechanical operation, resulting in a simpler, cost-effective, and efficient locking mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

an electromechanical drive device (26) which can be controlled to rotate the driver element (28)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3034719B1Actuating device for a locking mechanism of a door or a window

Publication Date: 2018.04.18 ABUS AUGUST BREMICKER SOEHNE KG

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AI summary

Actuating device for a locking mechanism of a door or window, comprising an axle element that is coupled or can be coupled to the locking mechanism and that can be manually rotated about a principal axis at least between an open position and a closed position; an electromechanical drive unit; and a follower element that can be driven to a rotary motion by means of the drive unit. The follower element can be selectively coupled to the axle element by means of the drive unit or rotated into a rest position in which the follower element is decoupled from the axle element.