Electric Lock Bolt Mechanism with Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock mechanisms with electric motor drives face high current consumption when reversing the slider or bolt, leading to energy storage depletion and potential device failure due to increased frictional forces, especially in corrosive or thermally expanded metal components.
Innovation Solution
A device with a slider or bolt connected via two energy storage devices, where one energy storage device is charged during movement in one direction to provide a restoring force for returning to the starting position, reducing the need for high current consumption and using cams and scanners to ensure smooth movement and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric motor is used to move the bolt back and forth, then the locking and unlocking functions are achieved, but high current consumption occurs when returning the bolt to the starting position due to increased frictional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the forward movement of the bolt (from open to closed position) to pre-charge the energy storage element (spring). This stored energy is then utilized during the return movement to overcome high frictional forces without requiring high current consumption from the electric motor, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high frictional forces during bolt return into a beneficial outcome by using the energy storage element to compensate for these forces. The friction that previously caused high current consumption is now overcome by the stored elastic energy, transforming the harmful friction into a manageable condition that maintains reliability while reducing energy consumption.
2Strength
If the bolt and guide are made of metal, then strength and durability are achieved, but corrosion, contamination, and thermal expansion increase frictional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the energy storage element) between the bolt and the guide that compensates for the harmful effects of corrosion, contamination, and thermal expansion. This intermediary absorbs the additional frictional forces generated by these harmful factors, allowing the metal components to maintain their strength while the system overall experiences reduced wear and lower energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If energy storage devices are designed with batteries or accumulators, then portable operation is achieved, but high current consumption quickly depletes the energy storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the system to recharge the energy storage element during normal operation. The electric motor drives the bolt forward, which in turn recharges the spring (energy storage element) during the closing movement. This self-charging mechanism allows portable operation with limited battery capacity, as the energy storage is continuously replenished during each locking cycle, resolving the contradiction between portability and energy capacity.
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 solution allows for low energy requirements in both directions of movement, preventing malfunctions and ensuring operational reliability by utilizing stored energy to overcome high frictional forces and return the slider or bolt to its starting position efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy storage is connected to the slide, which first energy storage is charged during the translational movement from a first to a second position of the slide and builds up a restoring force
Implementation Method 2
a rotational movement of the drive is converted into a translational movement of the slider
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The device has main portion (1) that is provided with base plate (2) on which two bars (3) are located and connected over guide portion (4). A rotatory drive unit (6) is provided for rotationally driving the movable portion. The guide portion is provided for converting rotational movement of drive unit into translational movement. A storage unit (16) is provided for storing restoring force while the drive unit is moved from first position to second position for converting rotational movement into translational movement. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a lock provided with latch; and (2) a method for driving translatory movable portion in opposing direction.