Electro-mechanical Lock Self-Aligning Strike Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electro-mechanical and electromagnetic locks used in security gates face issues with misalignment due to wear and tear, lack of security when power is not available, and voltage mismatch, particularly in fail-secure applications and alignment with movable gates.
Innovation Solution
An electro-mechanical lock with a strong mounting chassis, self-aligning strike assembly accommodating up to ½ inch misalignment, a release mechanism for preload forces up to 100 pounds, and auto-sensing voltage circuit for 10.8 to 28.8 volts, along with a key override for manual operation, allowing configuration in either fail-secure or fail-safe mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electro-mechanical locks are used in heavy gates, then the lock components become misaligned due to wear and tear and gate sag, but this misalignment causes the lock components to not properly engage, resulting in lack of security
Solution Approach 1:
The strike assembly incorporates a adjustable mounting mechanism that allows the strike plate to be repositioned dynamically. The mounting bracket includes adjustment slots and fasteners that enable field adjustment of the strike plate position to compensate for gate sag and tracking errors, maintaining proper alignment between latch and strike components over time
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides adjustability in the mounting parameters of the strike assembly, allowing horizontal and vertical repositioning. This parameter adjustment capability enables the strike plate to accommodate gate movement and wear, ensuring continuous proper engagement between locking components
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic locks are used in fail-safe mode to accommodate pre-load forces, then the locking mechanism can handle heavy gates, but this mode does not provide fail-secure functionality where constant power is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-mechanical lock is designed to provide both fail-safe and fail-secure operational modes through a dual-trigger mechanism. The system includes two separate trigger assemblies that can be configured for different security requirements, allowing the same lock body to serve multiple security functions based on installation needs
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electro-mechanical locks are used with access control devices, then there is a problem in matching the voltage of the electric locking product with the access control components
Solution Approach 1:
The lock incorporates an auto-sensing voltage circuit that automatically detects and adapts to the input voltage level from access control devices. This voltage sensing and adaptation mechanism eliminates the need for manual voltage matching, allowing the lock to work with various access control systems without complex configuration
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
Ensures secure operation even with misaligned components, provides reliable access control in both secure and safe modes, and accommodates varying preload forces, enhancing security and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The latch assembly includes a solenoid actuator that engages and disengages the latch mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-mechanical lock for gates and similar applications having a latch assembly and a strike assembly. The strike assembly has a strike which is self-adjusting to accommodate misalignment to guide the strike roller into proper engagement in the latch assembly. The latch assembly has a latch which is operably connected to a solenoid by a trigger and transfer mechanism which provides pre-load capability.