Dual-Axis Actuating Element for Electronic Lock Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locking systems with self-powered designs, like energy harvesting from door handle movement, face challenges due to bulky and complex structural designs, limiting their installation and energy generation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An assembly for an electronic locking system featuring a rotatable actuating element with dual-axis rotation capabilities, integrated with a bidirectional electric generator and transmission arrangement, allowing energy generation from both push and pull actions and conventional handle rotations, resulting in a compact and reliable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single-axis energy harvesting mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the energy generation capability is limited to one type of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first axis, transforming the single-axis rotation mechanism into a dual-axis rotation mechanism. This dimensional expansion allows the actuating element to capture energy from both push/pull movements (first axis) and rotational movements (second axis), thereby improving energy generation versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be pushed or pulled along the first axis to generate energy, and rotated about the second axis to generate energy. This multi-functionality allows a single component to harvest energy from various types of user interactions, improving adaptability while maintaining structural efficiency
2Reliability
If a bulky structural design is used, then the device can accommodate all necessary components, but the installation becomes complicated and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuating element with the energy harvesting mechanism into an integrated assembly. The actuating element serves both as the user interface component and as the primary energy harvesting component, eliminating the need for separate bulky housings and mounting structures, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The generator and transmission arrangement are nested within the actuating element structure. The rotor is positioned within the actuating element, and the transmission arrangement is integrated into the same space, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces overall device size and simplifies installation without compromising reliability
3Use of energy by moving object
If energy is harvested from only one type of movement, then the device structure is simplified, but the total energy generation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-axis rotation mechanism ensures continuous energy generation by capturing energy from both push/pull movements and rotational movements. Regardless of the type of user interaction, the mechanism continuously converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, maintaining uninterrupted power supply to the electronic locking system
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism dynamically adapts to different types of user inputs by allowing rotation about two perpendicular axes. The transmission arrangement dynamically directs energy from either axis to the generator, optimizing energy capture based on the actual movement type without requiring complex switching mechanisms
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 dual-axis rotation mechanism enhances energy generation efficiency and simplifies the design, enabling effective power supply for electronic locking systems while maintaining a compact and easy-to-install structure.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generator (74) comprising a rotor (76), and a transmission arrangement (82) configured to transmit a rotational actuation of the actuating element (12) about the second axis (24) into a rotation of the rotor (76) of the electric generator (74) to generate electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
Assembly (10) for an electronic locking system (84), the assembly (10) comprising an actuating element (12) rotatably arrangable with respect to a base member (16) for rotation about a first axis (18) and rotatably arranged about a second axis (24) substantially perpendicular to the first axis (18), an electric generator (74) comprising a rotor (76), and a transmission arrangement (82) configured to transmit a rotational actuation of the actuating element (12) about the second axis (24) into a rotation of the rotor (76) of the electric generator (74) to generate electric energy.