Electronic Mechanical Combination Lock with Solenoid Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locks are vulnerable to electrical surges, tampering, and power loss, which can render them inoperable, necessitating a reliable and cost-efficient combination lock that provides both electronic and mechanical access solutions.
Innovation Solution
The electronic and mechanical combination lock features a dual-input dial with a solenoid-actuated armature post and a bolt release mechanism, allowing both electronic and manual entry methods to securely open the lock, incorporating a cam wheel and bolt release lever to ensure reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic lock is used to control access, then security and convenience are improved, but vulnerability to electrical surges and power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is segmented into two independent subsystems: an electronic access control subsystem and a mechanical override subsystem. The electronic subsystem includes the keypad, circuit board, and solenoid actuator, while the mechanical subsystem includes the dial, tumblers, and cam mechanism. This segmentation allows the mechanical subsystem to function independently when the electronic subsystem fails due to electrical surges or power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from purely electronic to a hybrid electro-mechanical system. The electronic solenoid actuator is supplemented with a mechanical cam wheel and tumbler mechanism that can physically displacement the bolt through pure mechanical means, bypassing the need for electrical power or electronic circuitry.
2Reliability
If electronic components are mounted inside the container door, then security is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electronic access control system and the mechanical combination lock system into a single integrated lock assembly. Both the solenoid actuator and the cam wheel mechanism share common components such as the bolt, housing, and mounting structure. This merging reduces overall system complexity and cost while maintaining dual functionality for electronic and manual access methods.
3Reliability
If a mechanical override mechanism is added, then reliability against electronic failure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam wheel mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary actuating element for the solenoid during electronic operation, and simultaneously functions as the override mechanism during manual operation. The tumblers and cam wheel assembly can be actuated either by the solenoid pulling the armature post or by manual rotation of the dial, making the mechanism universal and multi-functional rather than adding separate dedicated components.
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 ensures the lock can be reliably opened using either electronic or manual means, providing enhanced security and cost efficiency by mitigating the risks of electrical surges and power loss, while preventing unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary means, which may be a solenoid, is coupled to an armature post having a first blocking member in blocking contact with a locking bolt. Upon receiving the electronic signal the solenoid causes the armature post to rotate to an unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A lock including a housing and an opening for receiving a locking bolt moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is provided. The lock also includes a rotary actuator having a rotary output of a predetermined amount and responsive to entry of an electronic combination input by a user; a cam wheel operably coupled to the housing and responsive to a manual combination input of the user, the cam wheel including a cam way; a bolt release lever moveably coupled to the housing and including a nose portion engageable with the cam way and a locking bar; and an armature post responsive to both the rotary and manual inputs, the armature post moveable between a blocking position for blocking the locking bolt in the locked position and an unblocking position for allowing the locking bolt to move into the unlocked position.