Electronic Lock Release Mechanism for Low-Loss Power Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locking systems face challenges with low energy efficiency and bulky designs, leading to complex installations and increased mechanical losses, which hinder their performance and usability.
Innovation Solution
A release mechanism and freewheel mechanism are introduced, featuring a gearless design with position-based release and centrifugal force-activated pawls to reduce frictional losses, allowing for efficient energy harvesting and compact system integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a traditional mechanical drive gear system is used to transmit rotation from the door handle to the generator shaft, then the locking system can be powered, but the device becomes bulky and complicated to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate drive gear from the power transmission path. Instead of using a complex gear system to transmit rotation from the door handle to the generator shaft, the invention directly couples the door handle rotation to the generator shaft, extracting out the unnecessary intermediate mechanical components and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission mechanism from rotational gear engagement to direct axial coupling. By aligning the door handle shaft and generator shaft coaxially and using direct rotational coupling, the invention eliminates the need for lateral gear transmission, reducing structural complexity and installation difficulty.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional key-based mechanical lock is used, then the door can be unlocked, but energy efficiency is reduced due to mechanical losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-cylinder locking mechanism with an electronic locking system. The door handle rotation directly drives a generator to produce electricity, which powers an electronic lock actuator. This substitution eliminates the mechanical losses associated with traditional key-based systems while maintaining the door unlocking function.
3Power
If a bulky drive gear system is installed in the door, then power can be transmitted to the generator, but installation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drive gear from the power transmission system, eliminating the need for complex gear installation. The simplified direct-coupling design allows for much easier manufacturing and installation, as it requires minimal alignment and assembly steps compared to traditional gear-based systems.
4Productivity
If low energy efficiency mechanisms are used in the locking system, then the system can function, but overall system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inefficient mechanical power transmission mechanisms with a direct rotational coupling system. By eliminating intermediate drive gears and reducing mechanical friction points, the invention significantly improves energy efficiency while maintaining full system functionality. The direct coupling ensures maximum energy transfer from the door handle to the generator.
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 proposed mechanisms enhance energy efficiency, reduce mechanical losses, and enable a compact design, improving the overall performance and ease of installation of electronic locking systems by providing consistent force release and efficient energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
centrifugal force-activated pawls
Data Source
AI summary
Release mechanism for an electronic locking system, wherein the release mechanism is configured such that an input member and an output member are locked against relative rotation and can rotate together within a locking ring opening when a locking member is located in an input member recess and in an output member recess, and such that the output member is released to rotate relative to the input member when the locking member is located in the output member recess and in a locking ring recess. A freewheel mechanism and assemblies for an electronic locking system are also provided.