Electronic Lock Linking Module for Dual-Rotation Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic locks require two identical control mechanisms, leading to complex structures prone to failure and safety concerns, especially in emergency situations like power outages where users inside the vault may be trapped.

Innovation Solution

A linking module that uses a single driving member to simultaneously control a pair of identical structures through a linking member, allowing simultaneous rotation of two rotating members and clutch modules, simplifying the control structure and ensuring one-way access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two identical control mechanisms are used for internal and external control, then the electronic lock can provide both internal and external access control functions, but the structure becomes complex and prone to failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control functionVSAvoidcontrol structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two identical control mechanisms into a single integrated control structure. The first and second rotating members are connected through a linking mechanism that shares common components (linking member, driving member, driven portion), allowing both internal and external control functions to be achieved through one unified structure rather than two separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single control structure is designed to perform multiple functions - it can control both the first rotating member (for internal access) and the second rotating member (for external access) through the same driving member and linking mechanism, making the system universal and multi-functional while reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If automatic unlocking mechanism upon power outage is adopted, then users inside the vault can unlock the door during emergency, but users outside the vault can freely enter the vault after power outage, resulting in loss of anti-theft function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency unlockingVSAvoidanti-theft function
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional automatic unlocking approach. Instead of automatically unlocking upon power outage, the system is designed so that the internal control mechanism (first rotating member) can be operated during emergency, while the external control mechanism (second rotating member) requires power. The linking mechanism ensures that when power is out, only the internal side can function, maintaining security while providing emergency escape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its control characteristics based on power availability. When power is normal, both internal and external control mechanisms function as designed. When power fails, the system automatically transitions to a state where only internal control is available, providing dynamic adaptability to emergency conditions while maintaining security protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4682335A1Linking module for electronic lock
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 POWERTEK HARDWARE CO LTD
  • EP4682335A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4682335A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4682335A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A linking module (60) for an electronic lock (100) has a first rotating member (61) and a second rotating member (62). Both the first rotating member (61) and the second rotating member (62) are connected to a linking member (64). The linking member (64) is connected to a driving member (67). The linking member (64) is driven by the driving member (67), enabling the linking member (64) to drive the first rotating member (61) and the second rotating member (62) to rotate simultaneously, thereby simplifying the control structure of the electronic lock greatly.