Electronic Lock Automatic Direction Switching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic locks require disassembly and reassembly to change door opening direction, which is complex and prone to errors, and often necessitate manual resetting of driving parameters for proper operation.

Innovation Solution

An electronic lock design featuring a rotating shaft and first transmission assembly with a driven gear and sensing mechanism, allowing for automatic detection and switching of left and right opening directions without disassembling key parts, and a method to automatically judge the assembly direction by comparing rotation times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the door opening direction is changed by disassembling and reassembling key parts inside the electronic lock, then the door opening direction can be switched, but the operating threshold becomes very high and assembly errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening direction switching capabilityVSAvoidoperating threshold for switching direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic lock automatically detects the door opening direction through the sensing mechanism (photoelectric sensors detecting stopper positions) and self-adjusts the driving parameters through the control unit, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and complex resetting operations by users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical disassembly/reassembly method with an automatic sensing and control system that uses photoelectric sensors, stoppers, and a microprocessor to detect direction and adjust parameters electronically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the driving parameters are manually reset through multi-step settings after changing door opening direction, then the driving logic matches the door opening direction, but the operating threshold remains high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematching between driving logic and door opening directionVSAvoidcomplexity of manual parameter resetting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically adjusts the driving parameters based on the direction detected by the sensing mechanism, performing the parameter resetting function itself without requiring user intervention or manual configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing mechanism provides feedback about the door opening direction to the control unit, which then uses this information to automatically adjust the driving parameters, creating a closed-loop system that ensures proper matching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If a sensing mechanism is added to detect driven gear position, then automatic direction detection is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic direction detection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of sensing components

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces stoppers as intermediary elements that mechanically indicate the driven gear position, which are then detected by photoelectric sensors, creating a simple interface between mechanical motion and electronic detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Significantly reduces the operating threshold for switching door opening directions and eliminates errors in assembly, enabling automatic mode setting without manual adjustment of driving parameters, thus simplifying operation and ensuring proper lock function.

Implementation Method 1

two photoelectric sensors 102 arranged in the lock body 1 and can be triggered by passing the stopper 101 when it rotates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12158024B2Electronic lock compatible with left and right opening and a method for automatically judging left and right opening of the electronic lock

Publication Date: 2024.12.03 ZHONGSHAN CITY JIXIN CORE LOCK CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic lock compatible with left and right opening and a method for the electronic lock, comprising a lock body and a lock tongue seat, the lock body is provided with a switch knob, a rotating shaft is connected to the switch knob, and a lock tongue and a first transmission assembly are arranged on the lock tongue seat, the first transmission assembly is provided with a first rotating member, the first rotating member is provided with a front and rear through inserting slot. The rotating shaft can be inserted from a front end to a rear end of the inserting slot and can be inserted from the rear end to the front end. A driven gear is drivingly connected in the lock body, wherein a circumferential transmission mechanism is arranged between the driven gear and the switch knob, and the lock body is also provided with a sensing mechanism.