Electronic Lock Actuator for Roll-Up Door Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roll-up doors, such as those in vehicles and garages, require manual operation and proximity to a handle for unlocking, which can be inconvenient for operators like delivery drivers who need to keep their hands free and move quickly, especially when the door is heavy or needs to be opened remotely.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock system with an actuator, such as an electrically controlled solenoid, that can automatically open or be manually opened via a wireless signal, allowing the door to be operated without physical contact, using a piston with a contacting block that engages or disengages with a ramp to transition between open and closed configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual handle and spring-loaded latch system is used, then the door can be locked and unlocked mechanically, but the operator must be in close proximity to the door and have hands free to operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical handle and latch system with an electronically controlled actuator system. The actuator receives electronic signals (from keys, keycards, or remote devices) to automatically engage or disengage the latch, eliminating the need for manual handle operation and reducing door opening time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic control system as an intermediary between the operator and the door locking mechanism. This intermediary processes authentication signals and controls the actuator, allowing remote operation without direct physical contact with the door handle.
2Ease of operation
If a manual handle system is used, then the door can be operated mechanically, but the operator must come within hand-reach of the door handle and empty their hands to operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the purely mechanical handle system with an electronically controlled actuator system that can be operated remotely via electronic signals from keys, keycards, or wireless devices, enabling hands-free operation while managing complexity through integrated control circuitry.
3Productivity
If an electronic actuator system is implemented, then the door can be opened automatically or remotely without physical contact, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an electronic actuator system that replaces manual operation, enabling automatic or remote door opening through electronic signals. This substitution dramatically increases door opening speed and productivity, accepting increased system complexity as a necessary trade-off for enhanced efficiency.
4Force
If the door is heavy and requires spring assist, then the door can be moved with reduced effort, but the door still requires manual handling and proximity operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines spring assist mechanisms with an electronic actuator system. The spring assist reduces the force needed for door movement, while the electronic actuator eliminates the need for manual handling and proximity operation, fully resolving the operational inconvenience despite the door's weight.
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 efficient and hands-free operation of roll-up doors, allowing them to open automatically or remotely, improving convenience and reducing the time required for operators to access the door, especially for delivery drivers.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator is an electrically controlled solenoid
Data Source
AI summary
An electronically controlled mechanical lock system for a roll-up door, such as for a vehicle or a garage door generally having horizontally disposed panels and tracks on opposite sides thereof for moving rollers therein. Methods of using the same are further provided.