Electric Motor Locking Bolt with Direct Kinetic Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety-related tumbler locking devices are prone to damage and require replacement due to potential bending or overheating, leading to downtime and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A tumbler design utilizing an electric motor drive with a direct mechanical coupling to a bolt, coupled with a gear unit for kinetic energy transfer, and sensors for monitoring movement and position, allowing for controlled speed regulation and detection of end positions, preventing jamming and overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element is driven by a drive mechanism, then the locking device can perform locking and unlocking operations, but the locking element and/or drive can be damaged due to blocking, bending or overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a monitoring mechanism that detects blocking conditions before they cause damage. The controller continuously monitors the drive's operation and detects abnormal conditions (such as current spikes or position deviations) that indicate blocking. When blocking is detected, the controller immediately stops the drive, preventing bending or overheating damage to the locking element and drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback system where sensors monitor the actual position of the locking element and compare it with the expected position based on drive commands. This feedback loop allows the controller to detect discrepancies indicating blocking conditions and adjust or stop the drive operation accordingly, preventing damage while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
2Reliability
If the locking element is blocked during operation, then the locking device must be replaced, but this causes downtime and repair work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring and detection mechanisms that identify blocking conditions before they lead to complete failure. By detecting abnormal conditions early (such as increased motor current, unusual position deviations, or vibration patterns), the system can alert operators and potentially reverse the blocking condition before it causes permanent damage requiring replacement, thus minimizing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system provides advance warning of blocking conditions, allowing for preventive maintenance actions before the locking device becomes inoperative. This early detection enables scheduled maintenance during planned downtime rather than unplanned replacement, significantly reducing operational disruption.
3Reliability
If sensors and controllers are added to monitor drive movement and position, then damage can be prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the control system to serve multiple functions: it controls the drive operation, monitors position, detects blocking conditions, and manages safety functions. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated monitoring devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive damage prevention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system utilizes the existing drive's operational parameters (such as current consumption, speed, and position feedback already available from the locking element's operation) to detect blocking conditions. Rather than adding completely independent monitoring systems, the patent makes the existing control infrastructure serve the additional function of damage prevention, minimizing complexity increase.
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 safe and reliable operation with reduced risk of damage, ensuring the tumbler can maintain a high level of safety and functionality while minimizing downtime, as the electric motor drive allows for reversible movement and adjustable speed, and sensors monitor for potential issues.
Implementation Method 1
The drive is designed as an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
The transmission device is designed purely as a gear unit, which converts the rotational movement on the output shaft of the electric motor into a translatory movement of the bolt
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A locking device for a component for closing an opening having a fixed part and a movable part, comprising a bolt (1) which is movably guided in the longitudinal direction of the bolt between a locking and an unlocked end position, a drive (4) for moving the bolt (1) and a transmission device (5) between the drive (4) and the bolt (1), wherein the drive (4) is an electric motor, and the drive (4), the transmission device (5) and the bolt (1) are coupled by direct transmission of kinetic energy, wherein the bolt speed is controllable via a control unit (9), and monitoring of the movement of the drive (4) coupled to the bolt (1) is possible with the control unit (9), and the control unit (9) is connected to at least one sensor (12) for determining the position of the movable part relative to the fixed part.