Electric Lock With Shared Unlock Crank And Torsion Spring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric locks with electric and manual unlock modes have complex assembly processes and require multiple components, and the adjustment of spring restoring forces is difficult due to the use of linear compression springs, leading to inconsistent unlocking times and states.

Innovation Solution

A simplified design using a torsion spring to adjust the spring restoring force, combined with a linear actuator and a shared unlock crank for both electric and manual unlocking, reducing component count and simplifying assembly, while allowing easier adjustment of spring resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a motor and second retraction lever are used for electric unlocking, then electric unlock function is achieved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric unlock functionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electric push member and manual push member into a single unified push member structure that can receive both electric actuation forces and manual operating forces. This merging eliminates the need for separate second retraction lever and bolt lever mechanisms, reducing component count while maintaining both electric and manual unlocking capabilities through the shared unlock crank mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unlock crank is designed as a universal component that can be actuated by both the electric push member and the manual push member. This multi-functional design allows the same crank mechanism to serve both electric unlocking and manual unlocking operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each unlocking mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Force

If a compression spring is used to reset the clevis, then restoring force is provided, but adjustment difficulty increases due to needing to combine diameter and length

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoring forceVSAvoidadjustment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from using a compression spring to a torsion spring for resetting the push block. This parameter change in spring type fundamentally alters the adjustment mechanism - torsion springs allow for easier adjustment of restoring force through simple rotational positioning or selection of different spring constants, eliminating the complex diameter and length combination requirements of compression springs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If a linear compression spring is used, then restoring force is provided, but force consistency deteriorates over longer compression distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoring forceVSAvoidforce consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spring parameter from linear compression spring to torsion spring. Torsion springs maintain more consistent restoring force characteristics over their operational range compared to linear compression springs, which experience significant force degradation over longer compression distances. This parameter change improves the reliability and consistency of the restoring force throughout the push block's reset motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Simplifies assembly and component count, and enables easier adjustment of spring resistance for consistent unlocking, improving operational efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the spring installed on the screw to reset the clevis should be a compression spring to resist the self-locking force of the motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

a linear actuator is arranged inside the case and has an actuating arm, the front end of the actuating arm is combined with a push block relative to the electric push member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear actuator: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 3

the blocking member uses the elastic force of the latch bolt spring to stick out of the side plate to lock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12398581B2Electric lock with electric and manual unlock mode

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 LIAO YI FAN

AI summary

An electric lock with electric and manual unlock mode, comprising: a case combining with a side plate and a case cover; a latch bolt, a latch bolt shaft and a latch bolt spring, the front end of the latch bolt shaft is combined with a blocking member, and the blocking member uses the elastic force of the latch bolt spring to stick out of the side plate to lock, when the external force applied to the latch bolt shaft is sufficient to resist the elastic force of the latch bolt spring, the blocking member will retract into the side plate to unlock; a unlock crank, having an electric push member and a manual push member, and a push member relative to the latch bolt shaft; and a linear actuator and an actuating arm, the outer end of the actuating arm is combined with a push block relative to the electric push member, and a push block return spring is set relative to the push block.