Electric Lock Contoured Disk Mechanism for Universal Door Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric locks for buildings require complex mechanisms to disable outer handles for service staff access, leading to high maintenance costs and the need for different models based on door orientation, which increases complexity and malfunction risks.
Innovation Solution
An electric lock design featuring a reduced number of components, including a contoured disk, idle toothed wheel, and switch mechanism, allowing the knob to rotate in both directions to control access, with a dynamometric locking device and signaling light for easy operation and versatility, regardless of door orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to disable outer handles for service staff access, then access control security is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the knob (3) and contoured disk (8) into a single integrated unit, and merges the gear mechanism functions into a compact arrangement where the idle toothed wheel (9) and switch (11) share common structural elements. This integration reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the security function of disabling the outer handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-direction rotation mechanism serves multiple functions: it disables the outer handle for security, provides feedback through the switch (11), and can be operated regardless of door mounting orientation. The contoured disk (8) with strategically positioned toothing (13) universalizes the mechanism to work with both right-handed and left-handed door configurations without requiring different models.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used to control handle disabling, then access control functionality is improved, but maintenance costs and malfunction probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the disabling mechanism and feedback mechanism into a single integrated system. The contoured disk (8) with its specific toothing arrangement (13) simultaneously engages the idle toothed wheel (9) to disable the handle and actuates the switch (11) to provide feedback, eliminating the need for separate disabling and signaling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the mechanical interaction between the contoured disk (8), idle toothed wheel (9), and switch (11). When the knob (3) is rotated, the toothing (13) automatically engages the wheel and actuates the switch without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, reducing maintenance needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different lock models are provided for different door orientations, then adaptability to various installations is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal mechanism that works with both right-handed and left-handed door configurations. The contoured disk (8) features toothing (13) distributed over more than 180 degrees, allowing the mechanism to function correctly regardless of the direction the door opens. A single model can be installed on any door orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The contoured disk (8) employs asymmetric toothing arrangement (13) that is strategically distributed to accommodate both clockwise and counter-clockwise door opening directions. The asymmetric design of the disk profile ensures proper engagement with the idle toothed wheel (9) and switch (11) actuation regardless of rotation direction.
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 provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and versatile electric lock that can be easily implemented, ensuring secure access control without the need for multiple models, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
an idle toothed wheel (9) which is engaged by a toothing (13), distributed over a predefined angle, of the contoured disk (8)
Implementation Method 2
a lower profiled plate (10) which constitutes a cam, and a switch (11) which can be actuated by interference with its button (15) by the cam
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An electric lock (1) provided, on the inner side, with a first handle (2) and with a knob (3); on the outer side, the lock is provided with a second handle and with an assembly for reading a codified key; the second handle is associated with a respective spring latch, and means of mutual decoupling (4) are interposed between the handle and the spring latch; the electric lock (1) comprises a main body (5) provided with a seat (6) for the rotatable accommodation of a transverse shank (7) of the knob (3); the decoupling means (4) comprise a contoured disk (8) that is integral with the knob (3), an idle toothed wheel (9) provided with a lower profiled plate (10) that constitutes a cam, and a switch (11) facing the edge (12) of the plate (10); the contoured disk (8) comprises a toothing (13) that is distributed over a predefined angle and is removably coupled with respective recesses (14) in the toothed wheel (9); the rotation of the knob (3), by the user who is inside the room, thus causes the rotation of the disk (8) with consequent entrainment of the toothed wheel (9), limited to the predefined angle of the toothing (13), and orientation of the plate (10) that corresponds to its interference with the button (15) of the switch (11).