Door Lock Clutch Transmission for Electric-Manual Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current door locks with electric mode conversion to manual mode are complex and costly to manufacture due to intricate structures, making assembly difficult and increasing production costs.

Innovation Solution

A door lock design featuring a clutch transmission set with a linking gear, clutch gear, and resilient element, allowing smooth switching between electric and manual modes through a simple structure comprising an outer and inner case, locking latch assembly, lock rotor, and motor, with a rotary handle for manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex clutch transmission mechanism is used to convert between electric and manual modes, then the lock can operate in both modes, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode conversion capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the clutch transmission mechanism and deceleration gear set into a single integrated assembly where the clutch gear, linking gear, and resilient element work together as one unified system. This merging of functions into a compact mechanism reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the ability to convert between electric and manual modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch gear serves multiple functions: it transmits torque from the motor during electric operation, engages with the linking gear to enable manual operation, and works with the resilient element to provide mechanical coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each mode, thereby reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex clutch transmission mechanism is used to convert between electric and manual modes, then the lock can operate in both modes, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode conversion capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the clutch transmission and deceleration functions into a single integrated mechanism, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving dual-mode operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism is segmented into distinct functional modules (clutch gear, linking gear, resilient element, deceleration gears) that can be manufactured separately using standard machining processes and then assembled together. This modular segmentation allows for efficient manufacturing of individual components and simplifies the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex clutch transmission mechanism is used to convert between electric and manual modes, then the lock can operate in both modes, but assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode conversion capabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the clutch transmission components into a compact integrated assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate parts that need to be handled and positioned during assembly. The resilient element pre-loads the clutch gear onto the linking gear, creating a self-aligning mechanism that is easier to assemble than loose, separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient element automatically engages the clutch gear with the linking gear through elastic deformation, creating a self-locating connection that reduces the precision and complexity of the assembly process. The mechanical design allows components to find their correct positions through elastic recovery rather than requiring precise alignment during assembly.

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

The design simplifies the lock's structure and assembly process, reducing manufacturing and assembly costs while enabling seamless mode switching between electric and manual operation.

Implementation Method 1

an resilient element arranged between the clutch gear and the second latch shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20220162883A1Lock for Door
Publication Date: 2022.05.26 CHEN JEFF
  • US20220162883A1 patent drawing
  • US20220162883A1 patent drawing
  • US20220162883A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A lock for door includes a locking latch assembly, a lock rotor, a lock bolt and a rotating member, wherein the latch includes an upper rotor member, a clutch transmission set, a deceleration gear set, and a motor. When the deceleration gear set is driven by the motor, the deceleration gear set immediately drives the clutch transmission set to move the lock bolt. When the lock rotor is manually driven to rotate and the upper rotor member is connected to rotate, the upper rotor member pushes the clutch transmission set for a clutch action, so that the clutch transmission set only drives the lock bolt to move so as to selectively lock and unlock the lock for door.