Electronic Lock Spherical Contact Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locks face premature failure due to wear of electrical contacts caused by friction with the key, leading to frequent maintenance and reduced lifespan, as they are designed to withstand numerous openings without failure.
Innovation Solution
The electronic lock incorporates a novel electrical contact design featuring a spherical ball that rotates on two axes, reducing friction by rolling on the key's outer periphery and using connecting balls to distribute the contact point, thereby minimizing wear and extending the lock's operational life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired connection is established between the electronic key and the electronic lock using movable parts, then the electronic lock can communicate with the electronic key for authorization, but the electrical contact wears out due to friction, shortening the life of the electronic lock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by using a spherical ball as the electrical contact element instead of a traditional flat or pointed contact. This spherical shape allows the ball to rotate on two perpendicular axes, distributing the friction across the entire surface area of the ball rather than concentrating wear at a single point. The curved surface enables rolling motion that significantly reduces wear, thereby extending the electronic lock's operational life while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the electrical contact element (the ball) capable of rotation on two perpendicular axes. This dynamic capability allows the ball to adapt its orientation during the key insertion and turning operations, distributing mechanical stress and friction across different contact points on the ball's surface. This dynamic adjustment prevents localized wear and extends the component's service life.
2Ease of operation
If the electrical contact rubs against the second part during key insertion and turning, then the electrical connection is established, but the friction causes wear that requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical ball contact element enables smooth rolling motion during key insertion and turning operations, reducing friction compared to sliding contacts. The curved surface allows the ball to rotate freely on two axes, distributing wear across the entire surface rather than concentrating it at a single point, thereby reducing maintenance frequency while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent partially replaces the traditional sliding mechanical contact system with a rolling ball contact mechanism. This substitution transforms the friction mechanism from sliding friction (which causes rapid wear) to rolling friction (which causes minimal wear), thereby reducing maintenance requirements while preserving the ease of key insertion and turning operations.
3Reliability
If the electrical contact is positioned at the interface between the first and second parts, then the electrical connection can be established when the key is inserted, but the contact point experiences high friction and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical ball contact element positioned at the interface between the first and second parts distributes the frictional forces across its entire curved surface through rotation on two axes. This curvature allows the contact point to move across the ball's surface during key operations, preventing localized wear and reducing the harmful effects of friction while maintaining reliable electrical connection establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball's capability to rotate dynamically on two perpendicular axes allows it to adapt to the mechanical stresses and friction forces experienced at the interface during key insertion and turning. This dynamic rotation distributes wear across the ball's surface, reducing the harmful effects of friction and wear while maintaining consistent electrical contact.
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 design significantly reduces wear on the electrical contacts, allowing the lock to function reliably for over a million operations without significant degradation, enhancing its durability and maintenance intervals.
Implementation Method 1
capable of rotating on itself around at least two perpendicular axes which intersect at its center... reducing friction by rolling on the key's outer periphery
Implementation Method 2
return means which permanently bias the front ball towards its rest position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~10
Figure 11~16
AI summary
An electronic lock comprising an electrical contact (100-102) including: - a front ball (140) made of electrically conductive material capable of rotating about itself about at least two perpendicular axes which intersect at its center, this front ball being mounted to be movable in translation reversibly inside a conduit (130) cut into a first part (32), between: • a rest position in which a front face of the front ball protrudes inside a long channel (50) suitable for receiving a second movable part (38), and • a retracted position in which the front ball is pushed back into the conduit by the second part so that the front ball is directly in contact with the second part to establish the electrical connection with this second part, - return means (142) which continuously pull the front ball towards its rest position.