Energy-Harvesting Lock Mechanism That Protects the Generator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks with latches that retract independently of handles can cause excessive force on energy converters due to high angular velocities, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A lock design that retracts a latch by turning a nut, simultaneously actuating a trigger to energize a power converter, using a motion transmission element independent of the latch's movement, with a drive and output flank system to convert mechanical movement into electrical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latch slides along the strike plate with its bevel during door closure, then the door can be closed effectively, but the trigger experiences high angular velocities that can damage the energy converter
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger movement is segmented into two distinct phases: a first phase where the trigger pivots at controlled angular velocity to actuate the energy converter, and a second phase where the trigger remains stationary while the latch completes its movement. This segmentation prevents excessive angular velocities during energy conversion, reducing damage risk while maintaining door closure functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the trigger's angular velocity through the two-phase mechanism. During the first phase, the trigger pivots at a controlled rate suitable for energy converter actuation. During the second phase, the trigger's angular velocity is reduced to zero, preventing damage while the latch continues its movement along the strike plate
2Productivity
If the trigger pivots rapidly during latch movement, then the latch can be retracted quickly, but the energy converter is subjected to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The latch retraction process is divided into two phases: the first phase where the trigger pivots and actuates the energy converter at controlled force levels, and the second phase where the trigger remains stationary. This segmentation allows the system to maintain productivity through the two-phase process while limiting the force applied to the energy converter to safe levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system rushes through the first phase quickly to actuate the energy converter efficiently, then skips further trigger pivoting during the second phase. This allows rapid energy conversion followed by a stationary phase that prevents excessive force accumulation, balancing productivity with force limitation
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
Reduces excessive force on energy converters, preventing damage and efficiently generating electrical energy for applications like radio modules.
Implementation Method 1
a release which acts on an energy converter by which the mechanical movement of the release is converted into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The sections of the two flanks can roll against each other during a first phase of the movement of the motion transmission element. During this rolling movement, a linear displacement of the motion transmission element can be transferred to a rotational movement of the trigger.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a lock with a cam (1), the rotation of which is transmitted to a latch (6) and a release mechanism (3) to retract the latch (6) and, via the release mechanism (3), to actuate an energy converter (15) to generate electrical energy. To prevent the energy converter (15) from being actuated even when the latch slides down a strike plate, a motion transmission element (7) independent of the movement of the latch (6) is provided. This element engages a drive arm (4) of the release mechanism (3) via an actuating arm (8) to rotate the release mechanism (3) at an increased angular velocity when the handle is actuated.