Door Lock Assembly with Mechanical Trigger and Electronic Spindle Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronically controllable lock assemblies for windows and doors face challenges with high energy demand, leading to frequent battery replacements and security vulnerabilities due to wired connections, especially in moving door leaves.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly with a mechanical trigger for automatic bolt extension and an electronic mechanism for spindle locking, which reduces electrical energy consumption by using a biasing mechanism and gravity to retract the bolt, incorporating biometric authentication and a power-efficient design to improve battery life and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electric drive means is used to extend and retract the locking bolt, then the lock assembly can be controlled electronically, but the energy consumption increases and batteries need frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is divided into two independent systems: a mechanical trigger system for bolt extension and an electronic system for spindle locking. This segmentation allows the high-energy bolt extension operation to be mechanical while the low-energy electronic control handles only the locking mechanism, significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electric drive means for bolt extension with a mechanical trigger system. The trigger is mechanically actuated when the door closes, automatically extending the bolt without requiring electrical power. This substitution eliminates the need for high-energy electric motors while maintaining electronic control capabilities through the separate spindle locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If a wired connection to mains power supply is used, then energy supply is reliable, but security vulnerability increases and installation in moving door leaves becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired electrical connections with a mechanical trigger actuation system. The trigger is mechanically connected to the door closing mechanism, so that door closure automatically actuates the bolt extension through mechanical motion transfer. This eliminates the need for wired power connections, removing security vulnerabilities and installation complexity while maintaining reliable operation.
3Reliability
If the spindle locking mechanism is always engaged, then security is maximized, but the door cannot be opened from the inside
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically controllable rather than statically fixed. The electronic mechanism can engage or disengage the spindle lock based on authentication input, allowing the system to switch between secure locked state and operational unlocked state. This dynamic control enables both high security when locked and easy opening when unlocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through authentication mechanisms (biometric sensors, keypads, or card readers) that detect user input and automatically control the spindle locking mechanism. When valid authentication is provided, the electronic mechanism disengages the spindle lock, allowing the spindle to rotate and the door to open. This feedback loop maintains security while enabling authorized operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A lock assembly (500) comprising a lock mechanism (1) having at least one bolt (4) and an automatic actuation mechanism. The automatic actuation mechanism (1) has a trigger (10) configured to fire the at least one bolt (4) when the trigger (10) is actuated. The lock assembly (500) has a handle assembly comprising: a spindle, connectable to a handle (200), and connected to the lock mechanism (1) such that rotation of the spindle retracts the at least one bolt (4); and a spindle locking mechanism (71) configured to prevent rotation of the spindle when engaged; wherein the lock assembly (500) comprises an electronic mechanism (600) for engaging and/or disengaging the spindle locking mechanism (71).