Programmable Electronic Lock Motor-Driven Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locks using transponder key systems face issues with the reliability of blocking mechanisms, particularly solenoids which have a high probability of breakdown, leading to lock failure and costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered electronic lock with a tongue actuated by a mobile knob and spring mechanism, where the electronics board controls a motor-driven blocking mechanism using a punch to block or unblock the actuating mechanism, ensuring secure and reliable operation through kinematic connection and optical position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a solenoid is used in the blocking mechanism, then the lock can achieve automated blocking and unblocking control, but the reliability of the blocking mechanism deteriorates due to high probability of solenoid breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solenoid (electromechanical actuator) with a motor-driven punch mechanism. The motor is controlled by the electronics board to move the punch between blocking and unblocking positions, providing more reliable automated control without the breakdown issues associated with solenoids. The motor offers better torque control and positioning accuracy compared to solenoid-based systems.
2Device complexity
If a rotational knob mechanism is used to achieve linear movement of the tongue, then the lock structure can be simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must perform rotational motion rather than intuitive pushing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional knob operation principle. Instead of using rotational motion to drive the tongue linearly (as in conventional locks), the mobile knob is pushed linearly by the user, and this linear motion is converted to rotate the tongue through the guide shaft and groove mechanism. This inversion maintains structural simplicity while providing intuitive push-based operation that matches user expectations.
3Reliability
If the tongue is designed to partially exit the casing in the closing position, then the locking security is improved by abutting against the frame, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning and guidance mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide shaft as an intermediary element between the mobile knob and the tongue. The guide shaft contains grooves that guide the tongue's linear movement while the mobile knob moves along the shaft. This intermediary mechanism ensures precise positioning of the tongue as it exits the casing to abut against the frame, achieving secure locking without requiring complex direct positioning systems.
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 provides a reliable and secure electronic lock operation by preventing the tongue's movement based on user input and spring recovery, ensuring secure locking and unlocking without the risk of solenoid failure, thus reducing maintenance costs and enhancing durability.
Implementation Method 1
the recovery movement of the mobile knob, due to the action of the spring, generates the entry of the tongue into the casing
Implementation Method 2
a key communicates with an electronics board of the lock through an antenna without needing physical contact
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a programmable electronic lock with a closing tongue (3) which is actuated by means of an actuating mechanism (4) formed by a mobile knob (5) acting as a button joined to the tongue (3), such that the actuation of the mobile knob (5) generates the movement of the tongue (3) and the closure of the lock, and the recovery of the mobile knob to its initial position generates the opening of the lock. Furthermore, an electronics board (10) is activated by means of a transponder key and controls the operation of the lock, deactivating and subsequently activating a blocking mechanism (11) formed by a motor (12) which actuates by means of a gear system (13) a punch (14) which, when it is located against the actuating mechanism (4), blocks the latter and prevents the movement of the tongue (3), and when it is separated from the actuating mechanism (4), it unblocks it and allows the movement of said tongue (3).