Espagnolette Lock Motor Drive With Integrated Electromagnetic Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor drives for espagnolette locks are bulky due to the separate space requirements for the electromagnet and intermediate member, which compromises the structural integrity of windows or doors.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnet is integrated as a structural unit with the gear pair of the transmission, eliminating the need for additional space and reducing component movement when the clutch separates power flow, thereby minimizing wear and simplifying activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electromagnet is mounted separately next to the transmission with an intermediate member, then the clutch can be controlled, but the structural effort and space requirement increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet is integrated directly into the gear pair structure, merging two previously separate components (electromagnet and transmission) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate mounting and intermediate members, reducing structural complexity while maintaining clutch control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear pair structure serves dual functions: it transmits mechanical power and houses the electromagnet for clutch control. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system, addressing the structural complexity issue.
2Ease of operation
If the electromagnet with intermediate member is used, then the clutch can be actuated, but the space requirement increases requiring large pockets in window or door
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the electromagnet housing with the gear pair structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate space allocation for the electromagnet. The gear pair itself becomes the mounting structure, significantly reducing the overall space footprint of the motor drive assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet is nested within or integrated into the gear pair structure, with the coil body concentrically enclosing the axis of rotation of the gear pair. This nesting arrangement allows the electromagnet to occupy space that would otherwise be empty or unused in the transmission structure.
3Device complexity
If the electromagnet is integrated with the gear pair, then the motor drive becomes compact, but the clutch activation mechanism must be simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch activation function is extracted from a complex mechanical linkage system and simplified to direct electromagnetic actuation. The electromagnet's armature directly engages with the clutch mechanism, eliminating the need for intermediate mechanical components and simplifying the activation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical clutch activation mechanisms with direct electromagnetic actuation. The electromagnet generates magnetic force to engage or disengage the clutch, substituting mechanical linkages with a more direct and simplified electromagnetic control system.
4Ease of operation
If the clutch is prestressed by spring element into separating position, then manual operation is unhindered, but permanent electromagnet energization is required for motorized operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of prestressing the clutch into the engaged position (requiring continuous electromagnet power to maintain), the patent inverts the approach by prestressing the clutch into the separated position. The electromagnet only needs to be energized temporarily to engage the clutch for motorized operation, then can be de-energized while maintaining engagement through the spring's counterbalancing force.
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 results in a compact motor drive with reduced wear and simplified clutch activation, allowing for unhindered manual operation of the espagnolette lock and minimizing the need for permanent electromagnet energization.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet (20) for controlling the clutch (21)
Implementation Method 2
A spring element (22) creates the form fit with de-energized electromagnets
Implementation Method 3
The gear is also often designed as a self-locking worm gear
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A motor drive (6) for a connecting rod lock (3) has an electromagnet (20) arranged in a gear pair (17). The electromagnet (20) is mounted in a housing (10) and supports the gears (18, 19). A clutch (21), which can be controlled by the electromagnet (20), regulates the power flow between the gears (18, 19) and has axial teeth (28). The motor drive (6) is designed to be particularly compact.