Electronically Controlled Padlock Actuator Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional padlocks are susceptible to vandalism due to keyway jamming and require time-consuming and costly on-site key adjustments, while electrically controlled padlocks face power efficiency issues and vulnerability to external manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A padlock assembly with a shackle, lock mechanism, and electrically controlled actuator mechanism featuring a hand-engageable portion and magnetic influencing arrangements to adjust the lock mechanism's active and inactive states, ensuring secure and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a keyway is used in traditional padlocks, then keying can be adjusted on-site, but the keyway is susceptible to vandalism by jamming foreign objects and key adjustment is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional keyway and external keying mechanism from the padlock body. Instead, keying control is extracted and relocated to an electronic control system with a control element (such as a circuit board or electronic module) that can be programmed or adjusted electronically, eliminating the physical keyway that is vulnerable to jamming while retaining the ability to adjust keying settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical keyway and physical key insertion mechanism are replaced with an electronic control system. The padlock uses an electronic actuator (such as a motor or solenoid) controlled by an electronic circuit that responds to electronic keys, codes, or biometric data, substituting the mechanical key-cylinder system with an electronic authentication and actuation system that is resistant to physical manipulation and jamming.
2Ease of operation
If a large electrical motor is used to adjust the lock mechanism directly, then the lock mechanism can be adjusted effectively, but power consumption is high impacting service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical advantage system consisting of a gear mechanism or cam mechanism as an intermediary between the electronic actuator and the shackle. The electronic actuator (small motor) drives a gear or cam that provides mechanical multiplication of force, enabling the small motor to move the shackle effectively against the spring force without requiring high power consumption, thus extending battery life while maintaining operational capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a small motor is used to act indirectly on the shackle, then power consumption is reduced, but the coupling mechanism is susceptible to manipulation from outside the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested mechanical structure where the gear mechanism or cam mechanism is housed within the sealed body of the padlock. The drive member (output shaft of the motor) is nested within the gear/cam assembly, which is in turn nested within the body housing. This nested arrangement protects the coupling mechanism from external manipulation while allowing the small motor to effectively drive the shackle through the mechanical advantage provided by the enclosed gear or cam system.
4Reliability
If magnets are used to retain the drive member in position, then the lock mechanism remains secure in active condition, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes magnetic field strength and positioning as the variable parameter to achieve secure retention of the drive member. By strategically positioning magnets (permanent magnets or electromagnets) at specific locations within the body and configuring their polarity and strength, the system creates magnetic attraction zones that hold the drive member (which contains ferromagnetic material) in the desired position. This magnetic retention system replaces more complex mechanical retention mechanisms such as detents, springs, or interlocking features, thereby achieving reliable retention while actually simplifying the overall structure.
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 enhances security by reducing unauthorized manipulation and power consumption, while allowing for efficient key adjustments without on-site power usage, thus improving the padlock's service life and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the first influencing arrangement includes at least one first magnet associated with the drive member urging the drive member to remain in the first position, and the first influencing arrangement includes at least one second magnet that is fixed relative to the body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This invention relates to a padlock assembly (1) including a body (2) with a hand engageable portion (4) that is external to the body (2) forming part of an actuator mechanism (5). The actuator mechanism 5 is electrically controllable to adjust between an operable condition and an inoperable condition to adjust a condition of a lock mechanism (31).