Dual-Override Lock Module for Power-Failure Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic locks face challenges such as unlocking during power failures, necessitating improvements in access control assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A lock module with a housing, lock mechanism, electromechanical driver, and dual override mechanisms that allow unlocking via an electromechanical driver, first override mechanism, or second override mechanism, ensuring functionality during power failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electronic locks are used to facilitate electronic locking and unlocking, then automation and ease of operation are improved, but reliability deteriorates during power failure conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of unlockingVSAvoidreliability during power failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into separate functional components: an electromechanical driver for electronic operation and independent override mechanisms for manual operation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability during power failures by enabling manual unlocking through the override mechanism while preserving electronic ease of operation during normal power conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The override mechanism serves as an intermediary component that bridges electronic and manual operation modes. It provides a manual override capability that activates when electronic systems fail, ensuring continuous access while maintaining the primary electronic operation mode during normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If override mechanisms are added to ensure unlocking during power failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability during power failureVSAvoidcomplexity of lock mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The override mechanism is merged with the existing lock mechanism architecture, sharing common components such as the housing, cylinder, and actuation pathways. This merging approach enables redundant reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by avoiding complete duplication of the locking system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The override mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a backup during power failures and as a normal operational mode when electronic systems are unavailable. This universal design justifies the added complexity by providing dual-purpose functionality rather than a single emergency backup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250376875A1Lock module with mechanical override

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC

AI summary

An exemplary apparatus includes a housing, a lock mechanism mounted to the housing, an electromechanical driver, a first override mechanism, and a second override mechanism. The electromechanical driver is mounted to the housing and is operable to unlock the lock mechanism. The first override mechanism is movably mounted to the housing and is operable to unlock the lock mechanism. The second override mechanism is movably mounted to the housing and is operable to unlock the lock mechanism. The apparatus has a first configuration in which a lock cylinder is engaged with the first override mechanism such that actuation of the lock cylinder unlocks the lock mechanism. The apparatus has a second configuration in which the lock cylinder is engaged with the second override mechanism such that actuation of the lock cylinder unlocks the lock mechanism.