Bi-Directional Overrunning Clutch for Non-Interfering Electronic Door Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical and electronic door locks interfere with each other when combined in smart home applications, leading to undesirable interactions between mechanical and electronic lock driving systems.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional overrunning clutch mechanism that includes a rotatable shaft, inner wheel, and outer wheel, allowing the mechanical lock driving system to operate independently of the electronic lock driving system by engaging and disengaging the torque transmission based on the direction of rotation, using a magnetic pin and embedded straight edges to manage torque transfer between the wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical and electronic door locks are combined in smart home applications, then the door lock system provides both mechanical and electronic locking functions, but the mechanical lock driving system and electronic lock driving system interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is divided into two independent input paths: one for mechanical operation (inner wheel) and one for electronic operation (outer wheel). Each path can operate independently without interfering with the other, as the clutch selectively engages only the active input path while allowing the other to rotate freely.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-directional overrunning clutch acts as an intermediary device between the mechanical and electronic locking systems. It mediates the torque transmission from either source to the common output, preventing direct interference between the two driving systems by allowing the inactive system to rotate without resistance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a bi-directional overrunning clutch mechanism is used to allow independent operation of mechanical and electronic lock driving systems, then interference between systems is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism employs a nested structure where the inner wheel is positioned inside the outer wheel, both sharing a common axis. The inner wheel contains notches that interact with pins on the outer wheel, creating a compact integrated assembly that reduces overall space requirements despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism uses dynamic engagement and disengagement of the inner and outer wheels through magnetic pins and notches. The engagement state changes automatically based on which input (mechanical or electronic) is actively applying torque, allowing the system to adapt its internal configuration without external control.
3Reliability
If the outer wheel rotates at the second torque from the electrical driving mechanism, then the inner wheel and rotatable shaft rotate along with the outer wheel, but the inner wheel cannot rotate independently
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attraction between the magnetic pins and notches, which could be seen as a constraint preventing independent rotation, is actually beneficial during electronic operation. When the outer wheel is driven electrically, the magnetic pins engage with the notches to ensure positive torque transmission to the inner wheel and shaft, eliminating any risk of slippage or incomplete torque transfer.
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
Enables harmonious operation of mechanical and electronic lock driving systems without interference, allowing for seamless door locking and unlocking from both inside and outside, enhancing user convenience and security.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic pin attached magnetically and moveable on the magnetic face plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a bi-directional overrunning clutch, electronic door locks having bi-directional overrunning clutches, and methods of using the same. In certain embodiments, the electronic door lock includes a first locking mechanism for driving an inner wheel through a first torque to rotate a rotatable shaft to operate a locking device on a door by a user from outside, a second locking mechanism for driving inner wheel through the first torque to operate the locking device from an inside, a third locking mechanism for driving an outer wheel rotatable coaxially around the rotatable shaft through a second torque to operate the locking device electronically, and the bi-directional overrunning clutch. When outer wheel rotates at second torque, inner wheel and rotatable shaft rotate along with outer wheel, and when inner wheel rotates at first torque, outer wheel does not rotate along with inner wheel and rotatable shaft.