Dual-Function Lock Cylinder for Emergency Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic cylinders used in commercial buildings for emergency access are unreliable due to battery degradation and environmental factors, and there is a need for a retrofit cylinder that can be operated by both mechanical and electronic keys to comply with emergency access ordinances, as well as a solution for independent access management systems.
Innovation Solution
A dual-functioning retrofit cylinder lock with one mechanical and one electronic cylinder plug, or two electronic cylinder plugs, that are independently operable but interoperable with the door lock mechanism, allowing for access via mechanical or electronic keys and providing independent management systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electronic cylinders are used to control access, then access control and audit information capabilities are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to battery degradation and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electronic and mechanical cylinder functionalities into a single dual-function lock assembly. The electronic cylinder provides automated access control and audit capabilities, while the mechanical cylinder serves as a reliable backup that operates independently of battery status, thereby resolving the reliability issue while maintaining automation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from purely electronic (battery-dependent) to a hybrid system with both electronic and mechanical operation modes. This allows the system to switch between automated electronic operation and manual mechanical operation based on reliability needs, particularly for emergency access scenarios
2Extent of automation
If mechanical cylinders are replaced with electronic cylinders, then access control capabilities are improved, but compliance with emergency access ordinances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-function lock assembly provides both electronic access control for normal operation and mechanical override capability for emergency access. This multi-functionality ensures compliance with emergency access ordinances that require backup mechanical keys while maintaining the benefits of electronic access control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lock cylinder into two independent functional components: an electronic cylinder for automated access control and a mechanical cylinder for emergency override. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function independently, ensuring both access control capabilities and emergency compliance
3Device complexity
If a single electronic cylinder is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different access management systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed to accommodate multiple cylinder types (electronic and mechanical) within a single unified structure. This multi-functional design allows the same lock assembly to work with different access management systems and key types, enhancing adaptability without significantly increasing external complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A lock cylinder assembly includes a housing, a first cylinder disposed within a first bore formed in the housing, and a second cylinder disposed within a second bore formed in the housing, in which at least one of the first and second cylinders is an electronic cylinder. The lock cylinder assembly further includes first and second cams, in which each of the first and second cams are configured to actuate a door lock mechanism. The first cam is directly connected to the second cylinder so as to be rotatable with the second cylinder. The second cylinder and the second cam are rotatable with respect to each other so that the second cam does not rotate with the second cylinder. The second cam is rotatably coupled to the first cylinder so that the second cam rotates when the first cylinder is rotated.