Electronic Locking Cylinder With Rotation-Sensing Motor Clutch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic cylinders without batteries face challenges in ensuring safety against tampering and maintaining low energy consumption, particularly in installations with difficult electrical connections or harsh environments.

Innovation Solution

An electronic cylinder with a clutch mechanism and a system for detecting rotor rotation, which deactivates the motor when the rotor rotates with respect to the stator, optimizing energy consumption by cutting off power supply when alignment changes, and a clutch mechanism using a rocker arm and locking balls for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the motor is continuously powered to ensure ready-to-open capability, then the response speed is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic power management system that transitions the motor between active and inactive states based on operational requirements. The control unit activates the motor only when opening operations are detected or required, rather than maintaining continuous operation, thereby optimizing the balance between response readiness and energy conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic status checks and activation cycles where the motor is powered on only during specific operational windows when opening is required or detected, and powered off during idle periods. This periodic activation pattern reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining operational capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of manufacture

If the clutch mechanism is simplified for ease of manufacture, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the security against tampering is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsecurity against tampering
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch mechanism serves as an intermediary component between the motor and the locking system. It provides a mechanical coupling that can be engaged or disengaged to control power transmission to the rotor, adding a layer of security against forced opening while maintaining a relatively simple structure that is easy to manufacture and integrate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch mechanism is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and assembled into the electronic cylinder. This segmentation allows for simplified production of individual parts while maintaining the overall security function through the coordinated interaction of the clutch with other system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the rotor can rotate freely for easy opening operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against forced opening is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening operationVSAvoidresistance to forced opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically controls rotor rotation through the clutch mechanism. During authorized opening operations, the clutch engages to allow free rotor rotation for ease of operation. During normal secured states, the clutch disengages or locks to prevent forced opening, creating conditional rotation behavior that adapts to operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch mechanism creates localized control over rotor rotation at specific angular positions or under specific conditions. The rotor is constrained in certain positions to prevent forced opening, while allowing free rotation in authorized opening positions, providing differentiated rotational characteristics in different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4481148B1Electronic locking cylinder
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 SALTO SYST SL
  • EP4481148B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4481148B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4481148B1 patent drawingFigure 2D~2F

AI summary

The present invention consists of an electronic cylinder that can be actuated by an electronic key (9), wherein said electronic cylinder comprises a stator body (2), a rotor (1), a motor (14) that can be actuated by the electronic key (9), a clutch mechanism configured to lock and unlock the rotation of the rotor (1) with respect to the stator body (2) by means of the actuation of the motor (14), and a system for detecting rotation of the rotor (1) with respect to the stator body (2), said system being configured to deactivate the motor (14) when the rotor (1) rotates with respect to the stator body (2). To this end, the clutch mechanism comprises two locking balls (3) which are elements that move radially inside the cylinder, to lock and unlock the rotation of the rotor (1) with respect to the stator body (2), said rotation of the rotor (1) being carried out by the electronic key (9).