Smart Door Lock Clutch Assembly for Motor Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Smart door locks with mechanical keyholes face issues where the transmission assembly is subjected to resistance and potential damage when a mechanical key or knob is used, leading to compromised user experience and reduced motor service life due to jamming or sticking of the dead bolt.
Innovation Solution
A lock design incorporating a clutch assembly with three states in the first transmission assembly, allowing the third gear to switch between meshed and non-meshed connections with the first gear, enabling smooth operation and protecting the motor by disengaging when necessary, thereby reducing wear and tear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transmission assembly is in a state of transmission connection when a mechanical key or knob is used, then the lock can be opened, but the action of key or knob unlocking will be resisted, affecting user experience and potentially damaging the transmission assembly or motor
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly dynamically switches between engaged and disengaged states based on the operation mode. When a mechanical key or knob is used, the clutch assembly disengages to allow free rotation without resistance. When electronic unlocking is performed, the clutch assembly engages to transmit motor torque. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by adapting the transmission connection status to the specific operation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly acts as an intermediary between the motor and the transmission assembly. It mediates the power transmission by selectively engaging or disengaging based on the operation mode. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to achieve both ease of mechanical operation (when disengaged) and reliable motor-driven operation (when engaged), resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Productivity
If the motor executes unlocking or locking action when the dead bolt is jammed or stuck, then the lock can be operated, but the jamming will impact the transmission assembly or motor, affecting service life and even causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly provides beforehand cushioning by disengaging when abnormal resistance is detected during operation. When the dead bolt is jammed or stuck, the clutch assembly slips or disengages to prevent the transmission of excessive torque to the motor and transmission assembly. This protective mechanism operates in advance to cushion against potential damage, resolving the contradiction between maintaining operation capability and protecting component life.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly converts the harmful effect of jamming or sticking into a beneficial protective action. When abnormal resistance occurs, the clutch assembly's slip or disengagement prevents damage to the motor and transmission assembly. The potential harm of jamming is transformed into a protective mechanism that extends component service life while maintaining operation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a lock, including a first transmission assembly, a second transmission assembly, a spindle, and a dead bolt. The second transmission assembly includes a first gear, and the spindle is connected to the first gear and the dead bolt. The first transmission assembly includes a second gear, a third gear, and a connector, the connector connects the second gear to the third gear, and the second gear is in meshed connection with the third gear. The third gear has a first position, a second position, and a third position in respect to the first gear.