Electric Door Lock Damping Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrically switchable locking devices for door systems face challenges in maintaining a robust mechanical construction that can be easily opened with little friction and effort, while also preventing accidental unlocking due to vibrations or oscillations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a damping device with elastic damping elements and a ball-guided locking mechanism, including anti-jamming protection and a spring-loaded sliding element, to reduce friction and prevent unintentional unlocking, along with a selective switching mechanism between fail-unlocked and fail-locked versions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a robust mechanical locking construction is used, then reliability and resistance to accidental unlocking improve, but friction and opening effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against accidental unlockingVSAvoidopening effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: balls for locking, spring element for force application, and damping element for vibration isolation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the balls provide secure locking while the damping element prevents vibration transmission, and the spring provides controlled opening force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The damping element acts as an intermediary between the locking axis and the balls, isolating the locking elements from vibrational forces. This mediator absorbs and dampens vibrations before they can cause accidental unlocking, while not interfering with the normal locking and opening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If damping elements are added to prevent vibrations, then protection against accidental unlocking improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against vibrationsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping element is integrated into the existing locking mechanism structure rather than being a completely separate system. It is positioned within the locking axis assembly and works in conjunction with the spring element and balls, merging multiple functions (damping, locking, and actuation) into a unified compact mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element serves multiple functions: it provides the force to move the balls during normal operation and also acts as part of the damping system by providing a compliant element that absorbs vibrations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If a compact locking mechanism is used, then ease of integration into door systems improves, but resistance to impact and vibrations may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrability into door systemsVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The damping element is pre-positioned within the locking mechanism to provide vibration isolation before impact or vibration forces can cause accidental unlocking. This beforehand cushioning allows the compact mechanism to withstand external forces without compromising its small size or integrability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution provides a robust, impact-resistant locking device that can be easily opened with reduced effort and is protected against accidental unlocking caused by vibrations, ensuring secure operation with minimal friction and efficient power transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a damping device with at least one elastic damping element which can be transmitted to the locking axis dampens mechanical oscillations and/or vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic damping: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3575518B1Electrically actuated closing device for a door assembly
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 GEZE GMBH
  • EP3575518B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3575518B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3575518B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrically switchable locking device (3) for a door system, comprising a housing (7), a door opener latch (11) interacting with a lock latch and movable between a closed position and an open position, an electrically actuated actuator (30), and a locking arrangement (20) arranged between the door opener latch (11) and the actuator (30), which the actuator (30) switches between a locked state and a released state, wherein the door opener latch (11) is locked against movement into the open position in the locked state of the locking arrangement (20) and is released for movement into the open position in the released state of the locking arrangement (20), wherein the locking arrangement (20) has at least one ball (22A) linearly movable within a guide (28) inside the housing (7).22B) as a locking element (22) and a locking axis (24) guided in a through-opening (26.1), which the actuator (30) moves via a slide (29) between a locking position, which corresponds to the locking state of the locking arrangement (20), and a release position, which corresponds to the release state of the locking arrangement (20), wherein the guide (28) of the at least one ball (22A, 22B) runs between the door opener latch (11) and the locking axis (24) and opens into the through-opening (26.1) of the locking axis (24), wherein the locking axis (24) blocks the linear movement of the at least one ball (22A, 22B) and the movement of the door opener latch (11) in the locking position and releases it in the release position,as well as a corresponding door assembly with such a locking device (3). According to the invention, the locking arrangement (20) comprises a damping device (50) with at least one elastic damping element (52) which dampens mechanical oscillations and/or vibrations transmissible to the locking axis (24).