Door Lock Lever Mechanism for Compact Electromagnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door and window locks with electromagnetic actuation mechanisms require a large stroke, leading to potential jamming issues under preload conditions, and occupy significant installation space.
Innovation Solution
A compact lock design that utilizes multi-stage lever mechanisms to reduce the force applied to the locking element by converting and transmitting forces close to the axis of rotation, combined with inclined surfaces, allowing safe triggering even under high preload conditions, and includes an electromagnet for remote unlocking and power failure scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional electromagnetic actuation mechanism is used, then the lock can be electrically actuated, but the electromagnet requires a large stroke and occupies significant installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electromagnetic actuation mechanism with a spring-loaded latch mechanism that is mechanically triggered. The spring force provides the actuation power, eliminating the need for a large-stroke electromagnet. The trigger mechanism uses a small movement to release the spring, which then performs the locking action, significantly reducing the space required for the actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a trigger mechanism that requires only a small partial movement to initiate the locking action. The spring provides the excessive force needed to overcome any preload on the latch, while the trigger itself only needs to move a small distance to release the spring. This separates the initiation action (small movement) from the execution action (large force), reducing the actuation space required.
2Extent of automation
If a conventional electromagnetic actuation mechanism is used, then the lock can be electrically actuated, but the electromagnet requires a large stroke leading to potential jamming under preload conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic actuation with a spring-loaded mechanism that is inherently more reliable under preload conditions. The spring force is continuously applied and can easily overcome any preload on the latch without requiring large movements. The mechanical trigger system provides precise control and eliminates the jamming issues associated with electromagnetic mechanisms operating under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded in the opposite direction to any expected preload on the latch. This preliminary anti-action ensures that when the trigger is activated, the spring force immediately overcomes any opposing forces without requiring the actuator to work against preload during the actuation stroke, eliminating jamming conditions.
3Force
If force is applied directly to the locking element, then the lock can be actuated, but the full preload force causes jamming and unreliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force application into two distinct stages: a small trigger force that releases the latch from its engaged position, and a larger spring force that completes the locking motion. The trigger mechanism only needs to overcome a small retention force, while the pre-loaded spring provides the main actuation force. This segmentation allows the system to operate reliably even when external preload forces are present, as the trigger force remains small and the spring force is already prepared.
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 lock effectively reduces the preload force to less than 1% of the original, ensuring reliable operation and safe triggering, while also enabling remote unlocking and energy-efficient operation during power failures.
Implementation Method 1
The lock (1) is electrically actuated with an electromagnet (6)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A locking mechanism for a door or window leaf is described, comprising a faceplate and a housing, wherein at least one pivotally mounted latch element is arranged in the housing, and with an electromagnet for actuating a locking lever to release or lock the at least one latch element. At least one latching lever and one locking lever, both mounted on one side in a pivot bearing, are provided, the axes of the pivot bearing of the latching lever and the pivot bearing of the locking lever being arranged parallel to each other. The force is applied to the latching lever and the locking lever close to their respective pivot bearings, and the force is transmitted away from the pivot bearings at the ends of the latching lever and the locking lever, respectively.