Electronic lock assembly for dispenser, and assembly method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic lock assemblies for dispensers are bulky, require complete dispenser replacement for retrofitting, and lack a reliable power failure mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A compact electronic lock assembly with a blocking mechanism using a blocking member and electric motor, allowing retrofitting and featuring a power-efficient design with a magnet-based alternative for power failure scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional electronic lock assembly is installed, then access control functionality is achieved, but the lock assembly becomes bulky and takes up a lot of space in the dispenser housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoidlock assembly space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lock assembly is divided into separate functional modules: a motor unit with motor housing, a latch mechanism with latch arm, and a control circuit board. These segmented components are arranged compactly within the housing, allowing each to perform its function independently while minimizing overall space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latch arm is positioned to engage with the dispenser housing from within the lock assembly housing. The motor unit is nested within the lock housing, with the motor shaft extending to drive the latch mechanism. This nesting arrangement allows components to share space efficiently, reducing the total volume occupied by the lock assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a complete electronic lock assembly is installed, then electronic locking functionality is achieved, but retrofitting existing dispensers becomes difficult and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic locking functionalityVSAvoidretrofitting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lock assembly is designed with a universal mounting interface that can be adapted to different dispenser models. The housing includes mounting brackets and attachment mechanisms that can accommodate various dispenser configurations, allowing the same lock assembly design to be retrofitted into existing dispensers rather than requiring model-specific designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic lock assembly is designed as a self-contained removable unit that can be extracted from the dispenser housing as a complete assembly. The mounting design allows the entire lock mechanism to be installed or replaced without disassembling internal components, facilitating easy retrofitting and maintenance of electronic locking functionality in existing dispensers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If an alternative mechanical unlocking mechanism is provided, then power failure access is enabled, but unauthorized users may gain access to the dispenser

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower failure accessVSAvoidunauthorized access risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lock assembly uses an electric motor to drive the latch mechanism instead of a purely mechanical spring-loaded system. The motor receives electronic control signals that can authenticate user identity before actuating the unlock mechanism. This substitution of mechanical direct-action with an electronically-controlled motor system enables reliable power failure access through authenticated users while preventing unauthorized access through electronic security verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 easy retrofitting of existing dispensers with a compact and reliable electronic lock assembly, minimizing space usage and ensuring access control even during power outages.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor for driving the movement of the blocking member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

featuring a power-efficient design with a magnet-based alternative for power failure scenarios

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12584331B2Electronic lock assembly for dispenser, and assembly method

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 ESSITY HYGIENE & HEALTH AB

AI summary

A lock assembly includes a lock housing including a top portion and a body portion; an operation part which is movably mounted in or on the lock housing, wherein the operation part is operable by a user for unlocking the lock assembly; a blocking member, provided for blocking movement of a part of the lock assembly, wherein the blocking member is movable between a non-blocking position and a blocking position, in which the blocking member blocks the movement of the part of the lock assembly; and an electric motor for driving the movement of the blocking member between the non-blocking position and the blocking position. The blocking member and the electric motor are included in a void underneath the operation part.