Electromechanical Door Lock Assembly for Low-Power Remote Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock systems face challenges such as errors in installation and programming, leading to compromised lock function, increased installation time and cost, and unnecessary troubleshooting or product returns. Additionally, remote communication with electromechanical locks is hindered by power consumption issues and interference from electromagnetic signals.
Innovation Solution
A unique door lock assembly that includes a back side manipulator portion with a powered module, a motor, and electronic controls, which enables precise control and autohanding of the lock. The system also incorporates position sensing components and a remotely operable mechanism that minimizes power consumption and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery-based power supply is used for remote operation, then portability and convenience are improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver alternates between active communication mode and low-power sleep mode, periodically waking to check for messages and returning to sleep when idle. This periodic operation dramatically reduces average power consumption while maintaining remote operability, allowing the battery to last much longer than if the transceiver remained continuously active.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from message detection to control transceiver operation. When a message is detected or sent, the transceiver activates; when no messages are present, it returns to sleep mode. This feedback-driven control ensures the transceiver operates only when necessary, optimizing the balance between remote operability and power consumption.
2Speed
If transceiver remains active for network communication, then network responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active listening/sending states and low-power sleep states. During sleep, current drain is minimized; during active periods, network responsiveness is maintained. This periodic operation resolves the contradiction by providing responsive communication only when necessary rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous network presence and responsiveness through periodic wake-sleep cycles rather than continuous operation. The useful action of network communication is maintained at intervals sufficient for security applications while eliminating wasted energy during periods when no communication is needed.
3Reliability
If electromechanical lock components are precisely assembled, then lock function reliability is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical lock is divided into distinct modular components (transceiver, motor, position sensor, housing) that can be independently assembled and tested. This segmentation allows for simpler, more error-proof assembly procedures while maintaining reliable lock function, as each module can be installed separately rather than requiring complex integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system performs self-configuration and self-testing through automated procedures. The control circuit automatically configures communication parameters and tests lock functions during installation, eliminating the need for manual programming and reducing installation errors. This self-service capability maintains reliability while significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote communication features are added, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver is designed as a universal communication module that handles multiple functions (sending commands, receiving status updates, error detection, network protocol management) through a single integrated component. This multi-functionality adds remote operability without proportionally increasing complexity, as one universal module replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver acts as an intermediary between the electromechanical lock and the remote network, isolating the complex communication protocols from the simple lock control logic. This intermediary role allows sophisticated network communication to be implemented without significantly complicating the core lock mechanism, as the transceiver handles all communication complexity in a dedicated module.
Data Source
AI summary
Lock devices, systems, and methods including an internal mechanism to permit backdriven operation and lost motion operation. In one form, the lock includes an assembly of parts with locating features that assist in those parts being assembled with other parts of the assembly in a single, relative orientation. Further, lost motion may be utilized to accommodate manual displacement of one or more components that can also be displaceable, in some embodiments, via operation of a motor. The lock can also include an internal power source capable of driving electronics used to determine handedness of a door.