Electronic Lock Spring Mechanism Without Transmission or Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic door locks with transmissions, clutches, and preload devices are prone to malfunction due to increased complexity and size, which is undesirable for modern electronic deadbolts.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly with a motor, spindle, and internal spring mechanism that eliminates the need for a traditional transmission and clutch, utilizing a spring-actuated mechanism for unlocking and locking operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional transmission, clutch, and preload devices are used in electronic door locks, then the locking mechanism can achieve reliable operation, but the device complexity increases and the chances of component failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional transmission system, clutch, and preload device from electronic door locks, retaining only the essential motor and spring mechanism. This extraction of non-essential components directly reduces device complexity while maintaining the core locking function, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the motor and spring mechanism into a simplified integrated system that eliminates the need for separate transmission, clutch, and preload devices. By merging these functions into a more compact configuration, the patent reduces the number of components and potential failure points while maintaining operational reliability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple components (transmission, clutch, preload device) are included in electronic door locks, then the locking mechanism can achieve proper function, but the number of components increases leading to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the clutch and preload device components from the system, keeping only the motor and spring mechanism. This reduction in component count directly lowers the probability of component failure while preserving the essential locking and unlocking functions through the simplified mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are increased in size and complexity to improve locking functionality, then the locking mechanism can achieve more advanced features, but the lock size increases which is not desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate mechanical components (transmission, clutch, preload device) into a more compact integrated system. This consolidation allows the lock to maintain advanced electronic features while reducing the overall volume required for the mechanical housing, thereby resolving the contradiction between functionality and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the motor, spring mechanism, and associated components in a nested or compact configuration that maximizes space utilization. By nesting components efficiently within the housing, the patent accommodates advanced electronic features without proportionally increasing the overall lock size.
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 compact electronic lock mechanism that operates efficiently without a transmission or clutch, ensuring smooth operation and reduced failure points.
Implementation Method 1
The spindle includes a lateral projection that engages a first spring such that, upon rotation of the spindle, a position of the first spring changes relative to the lateral projection along the first axis between a neutral position and a biasing position
Implementation Method 2
The pin is biased toward the disengaged position by the second spring
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic lock with a latch assembly, an interior assembly, and an exterior assembly. The latch assembly includes a bolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The assembly includes an internal spring actuating mechanism. The assembly also includes a touch keypad subassembly configured to detect touches to at least a portion of its surface.