Electromechanical Lock Assembly with Periodic Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical lock assemblies face challenges in reducing power consumption and ensuring secure battery access, with existing solutions relying heavily on mechanical forces and lacking efficient remote operation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A threaded and rotatable shaft actuator system powered by a battery, with a spring-loaded pin mechanism for secure battery retention and a transceiver for remote operation, allowing for efficient power management and secure battery access through a complementary threaded locking element and mechanical fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromechanical means displaces securing means continuously to maintain locked position, then locking reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical actuator operates periodically rather than continuously - it activates only during transition phases (locking and unlocking operations) and remains inactive during the maintained locked state. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining locking reliability through the mechanical spring-loaded securing means that holds the position without continuous energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded securing means is designed to maintain the locked position autonomously without requiring continuous power or actuator input. Once the actuator positions the locking element, the mechanical spring system self-maintains the locked state, eliminating the need for continuous electromechanical intervention and reducing power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If mechanical forces are used for locking and unlocking, then power consumption is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded securing means acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the locking element. The actuator provides initial mechanical force to position the locking element, and the spring-loaded mechanism provides the intermediary force to maintain engagement and facilitate smooth operation during locking and unlocking cycles, improving ease of operation while maintaining low power consumption.
3Ease of repair
If battery is easily accessible, then ease of repair is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is nested within the lock assembly structure, specifically housed within the hasp body. The battery retaining member and locking mechanism are integrated into the existing lock components, allowing the battery to be accessed only after the lock is opened and disassembled. This nesting provides secure battery storage while maintaining ease of repair through systematic disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly is segmented into distinct functional components including the hasp body, locking mechanism, battery compartment, and cover members. This segmentation allows the battery to be isolated in a separate accessible compartment that can be opened through the existing lock mechanism, providing both security during normal operation and ease of access during maintenance without requiring separate access points.
4Reliability
If lock assembly is designed for secure battery retention, then battery security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery retaining member and locking mechanism serve multiple functions: they secure the battery during normal operation, facilitate battery replacement during maintenance, and integrate with the existing lock assembly structure. By designing the battery retention system to perform multiple functions within the existing structural framework, the solution improves battery security while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 reduces power consumption by using mechanical forces for locking and unlocking, while ensuring secure battery access and enabling remote operation of the lock assembly, enhancing security and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the battery locking member includes a spring-loaded pin engageable with the battery retaining member
Implementation Method 2
the shaft is threaded and rotatable by the actuator, and the locking element is complimentarily threaded such that rotation of the shaft causes the locking element to move linearly along the shaft
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A lock assembly (10) includes a first member (12) and a second member (14) including complimentary shaped protrusions (13) and recesses (15) that mate with one another. A locking assembly is housed in the first member (12). The locking assembly includes an electromechanical actuator (18) with a shaft (20) and a locking element (22) arranged to move along the shaft (20) between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking element (22) is formed with a recess. In the locked position, a locking bolt (16) passes through both first and second first member (12)s and a latch member (26) is received in the notch (28) but is not received in the recess of the locking element (22) so that the locking element (22) prevents movement of the latch member (26) and the locking bolt (16). In the unlocked position, the latch member (26) is received in the recess of the locking element (22), thereby permitting movement of the locking bolt (16).