Electronic Door Lock Handle Set With Coupling Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key-operated mechanical locks face issues such as key duplication, loss, and tampering, while electronic locks struggle with energy efficiency, torque handling, and ease of installation, particularly when retrofitting into existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A handle set for a door lock with an integrated authentication circuit and actuator in the interior handle, coupled with a coupling cartridge that includes spring ramps and camming blocks to manage torque and prevent unauthorized state changes, allowing for easy handling and retrofitting into existing locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic access control means are located on the outside of the door, then keyless entry functionality is achieved, but the electronic components become vulnerable to tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling element as an intermediary component that physically connects the interior and exterior knobs while electrically isolating the electronic access control means on the outside from the interior electronics. This coupling element transmits mechanical force to operate the latch while preventing direct access to electronic components, thus enabling keyless entry while protecting against tampering.
2Reliability
If the actuator is placed in the interior handle, then the electronic components are protected from tampering, but the actuator must handle high torque from the exterior handle
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element serves as a mechanical intermediary that transmits torque from the exterior handle to the interior handle and actuator. It is designed to withstand and transmit the high forces applied to the exterior handle while protecting the low-power actuator inside from direct exposure to these forces, thus enabling the actuator to remain protected while still handling the necessary torque through the coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into distinct functional components: the exterior handle for force application, the coupling element for force transmission, and the interior handle with actuator for electronic control. This segmentation allows the actuator to be protected from direct mechanical stress while still receiving sufficient force transmission through the coupled system.
3Strength
If a through connection is used to connect interior and exterior handles, then mechanical coupling is achieved, but installation becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex through-connection requirement by providing a coupling element that can be installed independently within the door assembly. Rather than requiring a complex through-connection during initial installation, the coupling element can be added or adjusted separately, simplifying the installation process while maintaining strong mechanical coupling between the interior and exterior handles.
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 enhances security by preventing unauthorized access and tampering, efficiently handles high torque without damaging the actuator, and simplifies installation by enabling untrained personnel to hand the lock, ensuring secure and easy integration with existing door locks.
Implementation Method 1
The camming blocks can transmit rotation and force from the exterior handle to the coupling member
Implementation Method 2
The spring ramps and camming blocks manage torque through mechanical engagement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for a handle set for a lock with a latch, the handle set having an authentication circuit and actuator in the interior handle that allow access to authenticated transponders. The present invention also provides a device and method for transmitting a rotational movement and force in an electronic lock, wherein the transmission takes place in a coupled state and not in a decoupled state and wherein the transmission of force does not damage an actuator that requires little energy to change between the coupled and decoupled states. The handle set can include a coupling cartridge that can be easily handed. The electronic lock can be retrofitted in installed mortise locks and used with cylindrical locks. The electronic lock can include a security feature that prohibits the electronic lock from changing between the coupled and decoupled states.