Door Lock Mandrel Assembly with Coupling Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door lock assemblies are costly to produce and have a high probability of failure due to complex designs, which complicates their functionality and reliability, especially in secure and monitored environments.

Innovation Solution

A two-part mandrel assembly with a coupling element providing a rotationally fixed connection between mandrel parts, utilizing a guide piece and coupling piece with a spring mechanism and transfer device to facilitate locking and releasing, along with an electric rotary drive and leaf spring for efficient operation, and an overload protection mechanism to prevent damage from excessive torque.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex switchable coupling design is used to achieve locking and releasing functionality, then the door lock can be securely locked and released, but the production cost increases and the probability of failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprobability of failureVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mandrel is divided into two separate parts (first mandrel part and second mandrel part) that can be independently positioned and connected. The coupling element acts as a separate modular component that bridges these two parts, allowing the system to achieve secure locking through simple connection/disconnection of discrete segments rather than complex integrated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling element serves as an intermediary component between the first and second mandrel parts. It provides a simple mechanical interface that either connects the two mandrel parts (locked state) or allows them to be separated (unlocked state). This intermediary approach replaces complex switchable couplings with a straightforward connector that reduces failure points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a simple coupling mechanism is used between mandrel parts, then production cost decreases, but the ability to provide secure rotationally fixed connection may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element is pre-configured with the guide piece and coupling piece in specific geometric relationships during manufacturing. The guide piece includes pre-formed engagement surfaces and the coupling piece includes corresponding receptacles, ensuring that when assembled, they automatically provide the required rotationally fixed connection without requiring complex adjustment or additional fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide piece and coupling piece utilize curved or arc-shaped engagement surfaces that provide rotational constraint through geometric interlocking. The form-fitting guidance employs curved profiles that naturally prevent relative rotation between mandrel parts while maintaining simple assembly, achieving strong rotational fixation through shape rather than complex mechanical fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 cost-effective and reliable door lock assembly with a low probability of failure, ensuring secure locking and releasing mechanisms while preventing damage from overloading, and integrates with access authorization and danger state detection systems for enhanced functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a first spring element (38) for providing a holding force, which is intended to hold the coupling element (28) in the first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a second spring element (44) for providing a holding force, which is intended to hold the transfer element (40) in the coupling position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the leaf spring (54) having an arcuate, prestressed section (62) with a curvature and two end portions (64), wherein a first of the two end portions (64) is held stationary with respect to the first mandrel part (20) and a second of the two Endabschni tte (64) is coupled to the external thread (60) of the shaft (58) in such a way that a rotational movement of the shaft (58) is converted into a translational movement of the second end section (64), so that by rotating the shaft (58 ) the curvature of the arcuate section (62) can be changed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

an electric rotary drive (56) with a shaft (58) coupled to the rotary drive (56), the rotary drive (56) is set up to rotate the shaft (58) about its longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 5

the shaft (58) is provided with an external thread (60) at least in sections, the leaf spring (54) having an arcuate, prestressed section (62) with a curvature and two end portions (64), wherein a second of the two Endabschni tte (64) is coupled to the external thread (60) of the shaft (58) in such a way that a rotational movement of the shaft (58) is converted into a translational movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2136019B1Sub-assembly for blocking or releasing a door lock
Publication Date: 2014.10.15 ASSA ABLOY SICHERHEITSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP2136019B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2136019B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2136019B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The assembly (18) has a two-part arbor (36) with two arbor sections (20,22). The former arbor section has an end section (24) and the latter arbor section has another end section (26), which are at a distance from each other. A coupling element (28) is provided for supplying a non-rotatable connection between the former and the latter end sections.