Electric Lock Clutch Mechanism with Retractable Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric locks with clutch mechanisms are prone to damage due to internal component interference when the handle is rotated before complete linkage, leading to structural damage during improper operation.
Innovation Solution
The electric lock incorporates a clutch mechanism with a retractable plug and motor-driven driving member, allowing for controlled linkage between the handle and latch, and featuring a retractable plug that can shorten in length to prevent interference and damage during improper operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is rotated before the clutch mechanism completely links the handle to the latch, then the user can operate the handle freely, but internal components of the clutch mechanism interfere with the handle structure causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable plug is designed to dynamically change its length based on the operational state. During abnormal operation (rotation before complete linkage), the plug automatically shortens to avoid interference with the handle groove, while during normal operation it extends to provide rigid linkage. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between free operation and damage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism incorporates a preliminary protective action by designing the retractable plug to automatically retract when abnormal rotation is detected. This preliminary anti-action prevents the handle groove from interfering with internal components before damage can occur, allowing free operation without compromising reliability.
2Device complexity
If the clutch mechanism uses a fixed-length plug structure, then the structure is simpler, but the plug cannot avoid interference with the handle groove during abnormal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The plug transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic variable-length structure. The retractable design allows the plug to extend to a longer position for normal rigid linkage and retract to a shorter position for abnormal operation protection, maintaining simplicity while adding the necessary adaptability to avoid interference.
3Strength
If the retractable plug extends fully to provide rigid linkage, then the linkage strength is maximized, but the plug interferes with the handle groove during abnormal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable plug dynamically adjusts its extension state based on operational conditions. During normal operation, it extends fully to maximize linkage strength for rigid handle-to-latch connection. During abnormal operation (rotation before complete linkage), it retracts to a shorter position that avoids interfering with the handle groove, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and interference avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful interference is eliminated by extracting the plug from its extended position and retracting it to a shorter position when abnormal operation is detected. This separation of the plug from the interference zone (handle groove) allows the system to maintain strength during normal operation while avoiding damage during abnormal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric lock includes a housing, a manual control member rotatably affixed to the housing, and a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a clutch base rotatably affixed to the housing; a retractable plug arranged on the clutch base, wherein the retractable plug is radially movable relative to the clutch base; a driving member abutting against a first end of the retractable plug; and a motor configured to drive the driving member to move relative to the clutch base toward the shaft of the manual control member.