Electronic Lock Actuator Using Magnetic Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic locks for windows and doors have complex structures and high production costs due to numerous components, which complicates manufacturing and assembly, and are prone to friction issues affecting their long-term reliability and energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An electronic lock design featuring a simplified structure with a stator and rotor configuration that includes a traditional mechanical blocking device and an electromechanical blocking device, utilizing a permanent magnet to keep the blocking element separate from the actuator, allowing for low-energy activation without mechanical constraints, and a straight line motion mechanism for engaging and disengaging the blocking element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring is used to act on the blocking element to separate it from the actuator, then the actuator is protected from friction and mechanical constraints, but the number of components increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the spring component entirely from the system. Instead of using a spring to keep the blocking element separated from the actuator, the design relies on the geometric configuration and magnetic interaction between components, thereby eliminating the need for this mechanical element while maintaining actuator protection from friction and constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based separation mechanism with a magnetic field-based solution. A magnet is used to maintain the blocking element in a retracted position away from the actuator, substituting a mechanical system (spring) with a magnetic field-based system that achieves the same protective function without adding mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a pivot shaft is used to indirectly act on the blocking element under spring force, then the blocking element is kept away from the actuator, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking element positioningVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates both the pivot shaft and the spring from the system. The blocking element is directly acted upon by magnetic forces and geometric constraints, removing the need for intermediate mechanical components like pivot shafts and springs, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining reliable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary force field that acts on the blocking element to maintain its retracted position. This magnetic intermediary replaces the mechanical intermediary (pivot shaft) and eliminates the need for spring-based force application, simplifying the overall mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the blocking element is located close to the actuator, then the lock structure is compact, but friction and mechanical constraints compromise actuator functioning over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock compactnessVSAvoidactuator long-term reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a permanent magnet to create a persistent magnetic field that continuously maintains the blocking element in a retracted position without requiring mechanical wear components. This magnetic field-based solution provides long-term reliability by eliminating friction-prone mechanical contact between the blocking element and actuator, while keeping the overall structure compact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 results in a reliable, cost-effective electronic lock with reduced manufacturing complexity and low component count, maintaining high performance over time while minimizing the impact on existing manufacturing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a permanent magnet which is connected to the blocking element in its own seating facing said element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP1914368B1Electronic lock for windows and doors
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 ISEO SERRATURE
  • EP1914368B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1914368B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP1914368B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The electronic lock for windows and doors comprises a cylinder having a stator inside which a rotor is located, the rotation of the latter being activated when a key is inserted therein. The cylinder comprises at least one mechanical blocking device and at least one electromechanical blocking device with an electronic code; the electromechanical blocking device has magnetic means in order to maintain a blocking element between the rotor and the stator and this is located in a cavity inside the latter.