Electronic Actuator for Sliding Door Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding door locking systems require manual key operation and lack advanced access control features, leading to issues with security, convenience, and management of multiple users.
Innovation Solution
A lock actuator assembly that includes an electronic actuator with a motor, leadscrew, and nut mechanism, coupled with a control element and notification system, allowing for keyless operation and secure access control through authentication with security devices like mobile phones or key fobs, enabling remote locking and unlocking from either side of the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual key operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and security are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual key operation with an electronic actuator system that uses a motor, leadscrew, and nut mechanism to automatically move the lock drive between locked and unlocked positions. This substitution of mechanical key turning with an electronically controlled mechanical system improves ease of operation while managing device complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic actuator system provides self-service functionality by automatically positioning the lock drive without requiring manual key insertion or turning. The system can be controlled through various interfaces (keypad, remote, biometric) and autonomously performs the locking/unlocking action, reducing the operational burden on users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic actuator with motor and leadscrew is used, then ease of operation and access control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic actuator assembly serves multiple functions: it provides motorized locking/unlocking, integrates with various access control methods (keypad, remote controls, biometric sensors), and includes notification systems. This multi-functionality approach allows a single integrated device to handle diverse access control requirements, improving adaptability while consolidating rather than multiplying components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motor actuator, leadscrew mechanism, lock drive, control elements, and notification systems into a single integrated escutcheon assembly. This consolidation approach manages device complexity by combining multiple functional elements into one unified structure rather than having separate components, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If lock drive moves between multiple positions, then reliability of locking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic actuator system incorporates sensors that detect the position of the lock drive and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable locking by confirming when the lock drive reaches the locked position, and reliably unlocking by detecting when it reaches the unlocked position. The feedback system may include sensors that monitor the leadscrew position or the lock drive position, providing verification of proper operation without requiring overly complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
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
Provides secure, convenient, and user-friendly operation by eliminating the need for physical keys, allowing multiple users to access the door with controlled access settings and record-keeping, while preventing unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic motor; a leadscrew coupled to the motor; and a nut threadably engaged with the leadscrew
Implementation Method 2
a slide arm slidingly coupled to the escutcheon and operably coupled to the drive disk, wherein movement of the slide arm along the longitudinal axis rotates the drive disk about the rotational axis
Data Source
AI summary
A lock actuator assembly includes an escutcheon defining a longitudinal axis. A rotatable drive disk is rotatably coupled to the escutcheon about a rotational axis. A slide arm is slidingly coupled to the escutcheon and operably coupled to the drive disk such that movement of the slide arm along the longitudinal axis rotates the drive disk about the rotational axis. Additionally, an electronic actuator is coupled to the escutcheon. The electronic actuator is configured to drive the slide arm along the longitudinal axis, and the drive disk is adapted to couple to a lock mechanism so as to shift the lock mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position when the drive disk rotates about the rotational axis.