Electronic Door Lock Coupling with Spring Misalignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronically controlled locks face challenges in simplicity, reliability, and effectiveness in their control mechanisms, particularly in force transmission and alignment between handle inputs and latch or bolt outputs, which can lead to misalignment and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an elongated housing with input code selectors, a locking handle, a coupling mechanism for force transmission, and an electronic motor to control part displacement, along with spring-based mechanisms to compensate for misalignment and provide mechanical advantage, including a slip clutch assembly and fork-shaped leaf springs to ensure effective operation and handle repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a coupling mechanism is used to transmit force between handle and locking element, then force transmission is enabled, but misalignment between coupling parts can occur leading to operational inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element between the coupling parts. The spring compensates for misalignment by absorbing dimensional variations and positioning errors, ensuring reliable engagement between the handle coupling and locking element coupling without requiring precision alignment during assembly or operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism changes the mechanical parameters of the coupling system by introducing elasticity and compliance. This allows the coupling to accommodate misalignment through spring deflection and recovery, transforming rigid alignment requirements into a more flexible system that maintains functional reliability despite dimensional variations.
2Reliability
If the lock mechanism is made more reliable through better alignment, then operational efficiency improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment adjustment function is extracted from the main coupling mechanism and implemented as a separate, dedicated spring component. This isolated spring mechanism handles alignment compensation independently, allowing the main coupling structure to remain simple while achieving reliable alignment through the specialized spring element.
3Reliability
If spring mechanisms are added to compensate for misalignment, then alignment reliability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism uses inexpensive, readily available spring material that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The spring's simple geometry and standard manufacturing processes make it cost-effective, and its replaceable nature allows for economical maintenance without requiring expensive precision components.
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
This design enhances the reliability and simplicity of the lock mechanism by allowing for automatic misalignment compensation, providing a mechanical fuse to prevent damage, and enabling easy re-handling and secure battery access, while maintaining operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a further object include provision of handle force resisting structure that includes a rotor, an elongated spring, and at least one set of interengaged balls that transmit spring force to the rotor with mechanical advantage
Implementation Method 2
One of such springs may be compliant fork-shaped leaf spring urging the coupling against tips of the pins
Data Source
AI summary
Door lock apparatus, comprising in combination an elongated housing having input code selectors on the housing, to enable door locking and/or unlocking via a locking element, a locking handle protruding from the housing, a coupling in the housing having parts that interfit to enable force transmission between the handle and element, and a coupling mechanism responsive to code selection to control coupling of the parts.