Electronic Lock Mounting Structure Using Thumb-Turn Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic locks are fixed to doors using strong double-sided tape, leading to damage when removed, as the tape remains on the door surface.

Innovation Solution

An electronic lock mounting structure with an engagement mechanism that engages with a thumb-turn mounting hole, allowing the lock to be mounted and removed without damaging the door surface, using a base and attachment system that includes a dovetail cross-section for secure fitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If strong double-sided tape is used to fix the electronic lock to the door, then the mounting strength is improved, but the door surface is damaged when the lock is removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting strengthVSAvoiddoor surface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an engagement mechanism as an intermediary component between the electronic lock and the door. This mechanism includes engagement protrusions that fit into corresponding recesses in the thumb-turn mounting hole, allowing the lock to be securely mounted and removed without damaging the door surface. The intermediary mechanism transfers the mounting function from direct adhesive bonding to mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If double-sided tape is used for mounting, then the installation process is simple, but the tape remains on the door surface after removal requiring damage to remove it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidremoval ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into distinct components: the electronic lock body, the engagement mechanism with protrusions, and the corresponding recesses in the mounting hole. This segmentation allows the lock to be mounted securely during use and then cleanly removed by disengaging the protrusions from the recesses, leaving no residue on the door surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If mechanical engagement mechanism is used instead of double-sided tape, then the door surface is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor surface protectionVSAvoidmounting structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using adhesive to create a permanent or semi-permanent bond that requires forceful removal, the patent inverts the approach by using a mechanical engagement system where the protrusions fit into recesses. This allows the mounting to be secure during operation but easily disassembled by simply reversing the engagement action, protecting the door surface while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12473745B2Electronic lock mounting structure

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 MINEBEAMITSUMI INC

AI summary

An electronic lock mounting structure is disposed between an electronic lock and a door to mount the electronic lock on the door. The electronic lock mounting structure includes an attachment and a base. The electronic lock mounting structure includes an engagement mechanism configured to engage with a thumb-turn mounting hole provided in the door. The engagement mechanism may include three claw portions configured to engage the thumb-turn mounting hole.