Electronic Lock Return Arm Mechanism for Jammed Stop Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locks consume excessive electrical energy when the movable stop is jammed, requiring prolonged or repeated unlocking commands to unjam it, leading to inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
The lock incorporates a mechanism where the return arm can move to its return position even when the movable stop is jammed, storing potential energy to mechanically urge the stop to its second position once unjammed, eliminating the need for continuous electrical energy to maintain the unlocking command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical unlocking command is maintained or repeated until the movable stop is unjammed, then the lock can be unlocked, but excessive electrical energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by sending the electrical unlocking command before the movable stop is actually unjammed. The command is sent in advance and the system waits for the mechanical condition to be met, rather than continuously maintaining or repeating the command. This preliminary action approach allows the unlocking sequence to be initiated early while avoiding excessive energy consumption from continuous command maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by leveraging the natural mechanical unjamming process of the movable stop. Once the electrical unlocking command is sent and the rotor begins to rotate, the movable stop automatically unjams as part of the normal unlocking sequence without requiring additional energy input or repeated commands. The system waits for this self-service mechanical process to complete rather than actively driving it with continuous electrical commands.
2Reliability
If the movable stop is jammed by the blocking member, then the blocking position is maintained, but the friction forces wedge the movable stop and prevent it from moving to the second position
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by sending the electrical unlocking command that activates the rotor rotation before the movable stop needs to be moved. The rotor's rotation is the preliminary action that creates the mechanical conditions (through the channel and blocking member interaction) to automatically unjam the movable stop, allowing it to move to the second position without direct actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by using rotor rotation to dynamically change the mechanical state of the blocking member and movable stop assembly. As the rotor rotates, the blocking member moves along its path, and this dynamic motion naturally releases the friction-based jamming of the movable stop, allowing it to transition from the first position to the second position through the unlocking sequence.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a magnetized part and attracting part are used to store the electrical unlocking order, then energy consumption is reduced, but the lock structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the electrical command maintenance mechanism with a mechanical memory system. Instead of continuously maintaining or repeating electrical commands to keep the unlocking sequence active, the system uses the mechanical state of the rotor and movable stop components to remember that an unlocking command has been sent. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for continuous energy input while preserving the unlocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies multi-functionality by using the rotor and movable stop components to serve dual purposes: they perform the primary unlocking function while simultaneously acting as a mechanical memory device. The same mechanical parts that execute the unlocking sequence also retain information about the sent command through their positional states, eliminating the need for separate memory components and reducing overall system complexity despite the added intelligence.
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
This solution reduces electrical energy consumption by memorizing the unlocking order mechanically, avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure until the stop is unjammed, and simplifies the lock's production by using a magnetized part for energy storage and a return arm that rotates freely, reducing the number of parts required.
Implementation Method 1
The lock (1) comprises an electromagnet (17, 56) forming a magnetic field capable of attracting a magnetized part (48, 52)
Implementation Method 2
the use of elastic means makes it possible to simply store the potential energy necessary for moving the mobile stop to its second position
Data Source
Figure 1~2d
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The lock has a blocking unit blocking a rotor displaceable in a housing of a stator between a blocking position and a retracted position. A mobile stop (23) is displaceable between positions, and a return arm (48) is displaceable between a rest position and a return position, where the mobile stop is solicited towards one of the positions by the return arm. A permanent magnet exerts attraction force on another permanent magnet (52) to return the arm in the return position when the magnets are opposite to each other.