Electric Door Lock with Single Blocking Element and Overlap Catch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric door locks are complex and costly due to the need for two separate control systems and high current usage, with a risk of malfunction if one component fails, and often rely on non-durable PCB control devices.

Innovation Solution

A simplified electric lock design using a single blocking element and solenoid valve, where the blocking element is displaced between opening and closing positions by a driving stick to control the catches, reducing the need for dual control systems and lower current consumption without a PCB control system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two control systems with two blocking elements are used to control the catches, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and the reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking function reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate control systems into a single control system. The first catch is controlled by one blocking element, and the second catch is controlled by the first catch itself through the overlap structure. This reduces the number of control systems from two to one, simplifying the device while maintaining the locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first catch acts as an intermediary between the control system and the second catch. When the blocking element moves to allow the first catch to turn, the first catch's movement automatically controls the second catch through their overlapping structure, eliminating the need for a separate control system for the second catch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If two blocking elements are used to control the catches, then the locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking function reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Force

If high current is used for the solenoid valve to initialize operation, then the blocking element can be moved, but the solenoid valve may be overheated requiring PCB control devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolenoid valve actuation forceVSAvoidsolenoid valve temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid valve operates periodically rather than continuously. It is activated only momentarily to move the blocking element from the locked position to the unlocked position, or vice versa. This periodic operation allows the solenoid valve to dissipate heat between operations, preventing overheating and eliminating the need for PCB control devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The solenoid valve delivers a quick, high-force pulse to move the blocking element, then immediately deactivates. This rushing through the operation minimizes the duration of high current flow, reducing heat generation while still achieving the required mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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 design results in a more reliable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective electric lock with a simpler structure, as it only requires controlling one catch for operation, reducing the risk of malfunction and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a solenoid valve... having a driving stick to stick out and withdraw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Implementation Method 2

an elastic element disposed in said housing behind the first catch... the driving stick... pressing on the elastic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

two torsion springs are disposed separately in said first and second fillister with one side thereof separately abutting the vertical edge of corresponding fillister and the other side thereof abutting the side wall to provide the force for the first and second catch to turn back

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9702167B2Electric lock for doors

Publication Date: 2017.07.11 LIAO LI SHIH

AI summary

An electric lock for doors has a housing with an opening, including a first catch and a second catch, an overlap formed by which enables the operation of the present invention. A blocking element connected to a driving device is displaced between an opening position and a closing position whereby the blocking element would stop the first catch from turning when being in the closing position, therefore controlling the turning of the second catch, rendering the opening a locked status and locking up the latch; when the blocking element is in the opening position, the blocking against the first catch would be eliminated, therefore turning the second catch together and rendering the opening an unlocked status, allowing the latch to be unlocked.