Electro-mechanical Lock Core with Helical Actuator and Clutch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock systems lack efficient mechanisms for interchangeable electro-mechanical lock cores that can seamlessly integrate various key formats and access credentials, including physical keys, smartcards, and proximity cards, while ensuring secure and easy operation.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electro-mechanical lock core with a motor-driven actuator system, featuring a helical motor drive shaft and actuator thread, along with an electronic controller and position sensor, which allows for smooth transitions between locked and unlocked states, and includes a clutch and position sensor to manage motor speed and frictional forces, enabling secure keyless access and easy core removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a motor-driven actuator system with helical threads is used to enable smooth transitions between locked and unlocked states, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth transitions between locked and unlocked statesVSAvoidmotor-driven actuator system with helical threads

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional manual key-based mechanical locking systems with an electro-mechanical motor-driven actuator system. The motor converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, which is then transformed into linear motion through helical threads to move the plug smoothly between locked and unlocked states, eliminating the need for manual key insertion and rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic control system where the motor speed and actuator movement are continuously adjusted during the locking and unlocking process. The system transitions from stationary states to controlled motion, using the helical thread mechanism to convert rotational dynamics into precise linear displacement of the plug along its axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a clutch and position sensor are added to manage motor speed and frictional forces, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor speed and frictional forces managementVSAvoidclutch and position sensor system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a position sensor that continuously monitors the plug's position and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback enables the controller to adjust motor speed and torque in real-time, ensuring reliable operation and preventing excessive frictional forces during the locking and unlocking transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the helical thread actuator. It selectively engages and disengages the power transmission path, allowing the motor to control the actuator only when needed while reducing wear and frictional forces during idle periods or reverse operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple key formats and access credentials are supported, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple key formats and access credentialsVSAvoidelectronic control system for multiple access methods

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal electronic control system that can recognize and process multiple types of access credentials including physical keys, smartcards, and proximity cards. The system uses a single electro-mechanical actuator mechanism to execute locking and unlocking operations regardless of the access method used, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate mechanical mechanisms for each key type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 secure, efficient, and user-friendly electro-mechanical lock core system that supports multiple key formats and access methods, ensuring secure transitions between locked and unlocked states and facilitating easy core removal, enhancing operational flexibility and security.

Implementation Method 1

a motor (302)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

creates a frictional force between the helical actuator thread and the helical motor drive shaft thread

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

in the stop position a barrier blocking further axial displacement of the actuator, whereby a further actuation of the motor in the first direction creates a frictional force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNormal force: Force

Data Source

PatentUS11466473B2Electro-mechanical lock core

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 DORMAKABA USA INC

AI summary

An electro-mechanical lock for use with a lock device having a locked state and an unlocked state is disclosed. The electro-mechanical lock incorporates an actuation motor susceptible to lockdown and features a variety of lockdown mitigation structures and arrangements to combat the same.