Electromechanical Lock Fulcrum Return Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical locks require refinement to minimize electric power consumption, especially during the return to a closed state, which is crucial for self-powered or sporadically energy-importing locks.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical lock design incorporating an electronic circuit for data reading, a fulcrum support moved by electric power to an open position, a locking mechanism for mechanical engagement, a lever for storing and outputting mechanical energy to disengage the locking mechanism, and a return mechanism using a reset spring to revert the fulcrum to a locked position, leveraging both electric and mechanical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric power is used to move the fulcrum support to open the lock, then the lock can be opened reliably, but electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism dynamically switches between electrically actuated opening (for security) and mechanically assisted closing (for energy saving). The fulcrum support moves electrically during opening but can return mechanically during closing, adapting the power source based on operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring stores mechanical energy during the opening phase when the fulcrum support moves, and automatically releases this stored energy to assist in returning the fulcrum support to the locked position, making the system partially self-powered for the closing operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a return spring is used to assist the return of the fulcrum support, then power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return spring mechanism is integrated into the existing fulcrum support structure, combining the spring's return function with the lock's opening/closing motion. This merging avoids adding a separate, complex return mechanism while still achieving energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring serves multiple functions: it stores energy during opening, assists during closing, and maintains proper tension on the fulcrum support throughout operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
3Power
If the lever stores mechanical energy to disengage the locking mechanism, then mechanical power transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever pre-stores mechanical energy in the return spring during the opening phase, preparing the system in advance for the closing operation. This preliminary energy storage ensures sufficient power is available when needed to disengage the locking mechanism and return the fulcrum.
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
This design optimizes power consumption by utilizing electric power efficiently for the lock's operation and mechanical energy for the return mechanism, ensuring low power usage and reliable locking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a lever coupled with the locking mechanism configured to receive mechanical power from an user to store mechanical energy to a return spring
Implementation Method 2
a return mechanism for the support of the fulcrum comprising a reset spring whose other end is configured to, during the reception of the mechanical power from the user, move past the support of the fulcrum with the mechanical power outputted by the lever, and, finally, force the support of the fulcrum with the mechanical energy outputted by the return spring back to a locked position
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical lock includes a lever coupled with a locking mechanism configured to receive mechanical power from an user, and to output the mechanical power to mechanically disengage the locking mechanism provided that a support of the fulcrum is in an open position, and a return mechanism for the support of the fulcrum including a reset spring whose other end is configured to, during the reception of the mechanical power from the user, move past the support of the fulcrum with the mechanical power outputted by the lever, and, finally, force the support of the fulcrum with the mechanical energy outputted by the return spring through the lever back to a locked position.