Electronic Cathode Lock with Solenoid-Driven Retaining Blocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical locks are manually operated, lacking the capability for electrical operation, which poses a challenge in adapting to the trend towards electronic operation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic cathode lock system that integrates with mechanical locks, featuring retaining units and driving units with solenoid valves to control the rotation of retaining blocks, allowing for electronic unlocking and locking of mechanical locks like cylindrical, lever, and fire door locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional mechanical lock is used, then the lock structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lock cannot be operated electrically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism consisting of a driving unit with a driving member and a retaining unit with a retaining block that pivots between a locked and unlocked position. This intermediary mechanism converts electrical signals into mechanical motion to control the latch, enabling electrical operation while maintaining compatibility with conventional mechanical lock structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the retaining block to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical retaining element and an electrical control element. The pivotal connection allows the same component to respond to both mechanical forces from the latch and electrical forces from the driving unit, making the lock system universally operable through different control methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical lock is modified to enable electrical operation, then electrical control is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lock mechanism into distinct functional modules: a driving unit with a driving member for electrical actuation, a retaining unit with a retaining block for mechanical retention, and a latch for securing. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured separately using appropriate processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling electrical control functionality.
3Reliability
If the retaining block is held in position by the abutting member, then the latch is retained in the accommodating chamber, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining block is designed to be self-retaining through its pivotal connection and the geometric relationship between the abutting member and the accommodating chamber. When the driving member pushes the abutting member, the retaining block automatically pivots to the locked position where the latch is retained. The system uses its own structural features to achieve retention without requiring additional complex retention 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
Enables the electrical control of mechanical locks, allowing for remote operation and integration with existing mechanical locking systems, enhancing security and convenience by converting mechanical locks into electronically controllable devices.
Implementation Method 1
driving units with solenoid valves to control the rotation of retaining blocks
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic cathode lock includes a base formed with an opening that is communicated with an accommodating chamber in the base. In the accommodating chamber, two retaining units are provided symmetrically at two sides of the opening, and two driving units are provided corresponding to the retaining units. The two driving units are configured to position the retaining units to overlap the opening, or make the retaining unit move away from the opening. Thereby, the electronic cathode lock limits a latch in the accommodating chamber or makes the latch get out of the accommodating chamber. Such electronic unlocking of the electronic cathode lock is configured to work with a mechanical lock, thereby electronizing the mechanical lock.