Electromechanical Key Frame Structure for Higher Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical locking devices face challenges in transmitting sufficient torque, ease of installation, and ensuring comfortable and safe use.
Innovation Solution
A key design featuring a rigidly connected frame and key shaft, integrated electronics, and wireless communication capabilities, allowing for secure and efficient torque transmission and user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a key shaft is used for insertion into the locking device, then the key can be inserted and withdrawn along the longitudinal axis, but the torque transmission strength may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The key is divided into functionally distinct segments: a key bow for user interaction and a key shaft for torque transmission. The key bow is further segmented into a frame structure and a housing that encloses electronics, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity for torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The key employs a composite structure combining a frame (likely metal or reinforced plastic) with a housing enclosing electronics. This composite design allows the frame to provide mechanical strength for torque transmission while the housing protects electronic components, achieving both strength requirements and functional integration without excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronics are integrated into the key bow, then wireless communication and power storage are enabled, but the key structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electronic components (energy storage device, electronics with wireless communication module) directly into the key bow structure. The housing encloses these electronic components within the existing key bow geometry, combining mechanical key functions with electronic functionalities in a single integrated structure rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The key bow serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the mechanical structure for key insertion, houses the energy storage device for powering electronics and locking mechanisms, contains the wireless communication module for remote operation, and supports the overall torque transmission function. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Strength
If the key shaft is rigidly connected to the frame, then torque transmission is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The frame and key shaft are designed as pre-formed components with integrated connection features. The rigid connection between the key shaft and frame is established during manufacturing through pre-designed interfaces such as press fits, mechanical interlocks, or integrated molding, allowing the assembly to be completed in a single operation rather than requiring complex multi-step assembly procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a key (1) for an electromechanical locking device (101), wherein a longitudinal axis (90), a width axis (92) and a thickness axis (91) are defined perpendicular to each other, with a key bow (2) and with a key shaft (50) projecting from the key bow (2) along the longitudinal axis (90) for insertion into the locking device (101), wherein the key bow (2) comprises an electrical energy storage device (85) and/or electronics (70), wherein the key bow (2) comprises a frame (30) in which the energy storage device (85) and/or the electronics (70) are received, wherein the frame (30) is rigidly connected to the key shaft (50), and wherein the frame (30) comprises at least a gripping area (40) which forms a surface of the key bow (2) for gripping by a user.