Electromechanical Drive System Fail-Safe Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic locks operating in fail-secure or fail-safe modes require continuous power application, leading to inefficiency and high costs due to the reliance on solenoids, and lack user-friendly mode selection capabilities without specialized tools or knowledge.
Innovation Solution
An access control system with an electromechanical actuator, energy storage device, and control system that allows for selective transition between fail-safe and fail-secure modes using a toggle switch or electronic selector, enabling mode selection without disassembly or specialized tools, and utilizing an energy storage device for power during power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous power is applied to solenoid to maintain locking state, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using a motor that operates intermittently rather than continuously. The motor activates only when needed to transition the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked states, then stops while maintaining the state through mechanical positioning. This periodic operation dramatically reduces energy consumption compared to continuous solenoid power application, while reliability is maintained through the motor's ability to hold the locking mechanism in its current state without continuous power.
2Reliability
If solenoid is used for fail-safe and fail-secure functionality, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single motor-based actuator that can perform both fail-safe and fail-secure locking functions. The motor is controlled by a controller that can configure the system to operate in either mode, eliminating the need for separate solenoid mechanisms for each function. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining the required reliability for both fail-safe and fail-secure operations.
3Reliability
If mode selection requires disassembly or specialized tools, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - a switch mechanism - that allows users to select between fail-safe and fail-secure modes without requiring disassembly or specialized tools. This switch acts as a mediator between the user and the locking mechanism, providing secure mode selection through a user-friendly interface. The switch can be positioned to require minimal access while still preventing unauthorized changes, thus maintaining security while improving ease of operation.
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 system reduces power consumption by allowing the energy storage device to power the actuator during failures, enhancing operational efficiency and user accessibility by enabling mode selection through a simple switch mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The drive assembly includes an electromechanical actuator, and energy storage device, and a control system. The electromechanical actuator is operable, upon receiving power, to transition the locking assembly between the locked state and the unlocked state.
Implementation Method 2
The energy storage device is electrically coupled to the electromechanical actuator, and configured to store electrical power from the power supply when the drive assembly is coupled to the power supply.
Data Source
AI summary
An access control device generally includes an electromechanical actuator operable to transition the access control device between a locked state and an unlocked state, an energy storage device operable to store electrical power from a power supply, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to direct a first electrical power from the energy storage device to the electromechanical actuator in response to one or more first criteria. In a fail secure mode, the first electrical power is configured to cause the electromechanical actuator to transition the access control device to the locked state. In a fail safe mode, the first electrical power is configured to cause the electromechanical actuator to transition the access control device to the unlocked state. Certain embodiments further include a user-adjustable switch operable to transition the control circuitry between the fail secure mode and the fail safe mode.