Electromechanical Clutch Actuator for Lock Drive Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure devices lack effective panic safety measures and fail to ensure manual operation in case of power failure, particularly when transitioning the drive rod from a locked to a release position, risking mechanical damage due to resistance or overcontrol.

Innovation Solution

The device employs an electromechanical clutch actuator with a sliding surface to couple and decouple the drive rod, allowing manual operation by disabling the power drive unit, and incorporates sensors to detect positions, ensuring safe transition and overload protection through inclined surfaces and magnetic sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power drive unit is used to move the drive rod from locked to release position, then the closure can be automatically operated, but in case of power failure the drive rod cannot be manually moved and panic safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanic safetyVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is segmented into separable coupling element and counter-coupling element that can engage and disengage independently. This allows the drive rod to be decoupled from the drive member during power failure, enabling manual operation while maintaining automatic operation capability when powered

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling element acts as an intermediary between the drive member and drive rod. It transmits force during normal operation but can be disengaged to allow manual operation during power failure, serving as a mediator that enables both automatic and manual modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the drive rod is moved against resistance during locking operation, then the closure can be securely locked, but mechanical damage may occur due to excessive force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking forceVSAvoidmechanical damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch actuator and coupling mechanism provide beforehand cushioning by allowing disengagement before excessive force can cause damage. The spring element and clutch arrangement prepare the system to slip or disengage under overload conditions, protecting the drive rod and locking mechanism from mechanical damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism converts the harmful effect of excessive force into a beneficial overload protection feature. When resistance exceeds a certain threshold, the coupling element disengages from the counter-coupling element, allowing the drive rod to move independently and preventing mechanical damage while still achieving secure locking under normal conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If the coupling element is held in clutch position by energized clutch actuator, then the drive rod can be moved by power drive unit, but in case of power failure the coupling remains engaged and manual operation is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation capabilityVSAvoidclutch actuator energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch actuator operates on the principle of inversion: instead of requiring continuous energy to maintain disengagement, it requires energy only to maintain engagement. When de-energized during power failure, the spring element automatically returns the coupling element to the disengaged position, enabling manual operation without continuous energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables safe manual operation of the drive rod during power failures, preventing mechanical damage and ensuring panic safety by decoupling the drive rod from the power drive unit, and providing accurate position detection for reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

The electromagnet has a coil arrangement that creates a magnetic field when energized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the clutch actuator is formed by an electromagnet. The electromagnet has a coil arrangement that creates a magnetic field when energized. The clutch actuator has an armature plate which is preferably displaced by the magnetic field in an attractive direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3147434B1Drive device for a lock, in particular for a stand wing lock

Publication Date: 2019.02.20 WILKA SCHLIESSTECHN

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for moving a drive rod (1) of a closure between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein a drive element (3) that can be linearly moved by a power drive unit (2) is coupled with a coupling element (4) to a counter-coupling element (5) of the drive rod (1), wherein the coupling element (4) is held in a engaged position by an electrically energized electromechanical coupling actuator (6), from which it can disengage when the coupling actuator (6) is not energized. The coupling actuator (6) has at least one electromagnet (7) that interacts with an armature plate (28) and a sliding surface (9) that extends in the direction of movement of the drive rod (1) and is displaced towards the drive rod (1) when energized, wherein a coupling element (10) forming the coupling element (4) bears against the sliding surface (9).