Electronic Cylindrical Lock with Modular Clutch Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cylindrical locks lack the internal space to accommodate electronic control elements like motors or solenoids, and they typically only allow locking the handle outside the door, not inside.
Innovation Solution
An electronic cylindrical lock design with a main body containing a slide space for a slide member, connected to lock tongues, and equipped with first and second clutch units on opposite sides for external handles, controlled by a control unit to enable electronic locking and unlocking, allowing two-way access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the conventional cylindrical lock structure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but there is no extra space in the main body for accommodating electronic control elements
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into functional modules: the main body retains its traditional simple structure, while clutch units are added as separate modular components that can be installed in through-holes. This segmentation allows electronic control elements to be added without redesigning the entire lock structure, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling electronic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch units are installed in through-holes that pass through the main body, utilizing the radial dimension rather than requiring additional internal volume. This dimensional approach allows electronic control elements to be accommodated without increasing the overall size of the lock cylinder.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conventional cylindrical lock is used, then the lock structure is simple, but it can only lock the handle outside the door and cannot lock the handle inside the door
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch units are designed with universal functionality to work with both the first handle (outside) and second handle (inside). The same clutch mechanism can be engaged or disengaged by either handle, allowing a single lock mechanism to provide two-way access control without requiring separate locking systems for each side.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically determines which handle should be able to operate the lock based on the locked/unlocked state. When unlocked, both handles can independently engage the clutch units to operate the lock tongue. When locked, the control unit prevents engagement from both sides simultaneously. This self-regulating behavior eliminates the need for complex separate control mechanisms for each handle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic control elements are added to the main body, then electronic control and two-way access control can be achieved, but the internal space of the main body is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch units are extracted from the internal space of the main body and placed in through-holes that pass through the main body. This extraction allows the clutch units and associated electronic control elements to be positioned outside the constrained internal volume, providing space for electronics while maintaining a compact main body structure.
4Ease of operation
If the control unit engages with both clutch units, then both handles can drive the lock tongue, but security is reduced when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement state of the clutch units is dynamically controlled by the control unit based on the desired security state. When security is not needed (unlocked state), the control unit allows both clutch units to be engaged, providing operational flexibility. When security is required (locked state), the control unit disengages the clutch units to prevent operation. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both ease of operation and security as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic cylindrical lock has a main body. The main body includes a slide member. The main body further includes a first clutch unit and a second clutch unit to drive the slide member. The first clutch unit and the second clutch unit are connected with a first handle and a second handle, respectively. The main body further includes a control unit for controlling the first clutch unit and the second clutch unit to be engaged or disengaged, so as to selectively allow the first handle and the second handle to drive the lock tongue, or selectively allow the first handle and the second handle not to drive the lock tongue.