Free-Spinning Bezel Electronic Deadbolt with Electro-Mechanical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock systems lack a secure, non-motorized electronic deadbolt solution that can replace traditional keyed deadbolts without requiring door modifications and provides enhanced security features.
Innovation Solution
A manually driven electronic deadbolt assembly with a free-spinning exterior bezel, featuring a deadbolt mechanism, torque blade, interior actuator assembly, and exterior actuator assembly, which includes a code input mechanism, control circuit, and electro-mechanical coupling mechanism to selectively operate the deadbolt based on valid input codes, allowing for manual operation without motorized assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motorized electronic deadbolt is used, then automation and security are improved, but device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motorized actuation mechanism from the deadbolt system, extracting the automated component that causes complexity. The deadbolt is operated purely manually through the bezel rotation, eliminating motors, batteries, and electronic control systems while maintaining code-based access control through a different mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The deadbolt mechanism is designed to be self-operating through manual rotation of the bezel, which directly drives the torque blade and deadbolt assembly. The system requires no external power source or automated control, making it self-sufficient and simpler in design.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional keyed deadbolt is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but security features and accessibility control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the manual operation interface and the code input mechanism. The same rotational motion that operates the deadbolt also encodes the access code through the code wheel, combining security features with ease of operation in a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The code wheel acts as an intermediary between the user's manual rotation and the deadbolt operation. It translates the rotational input into both the mechanical drive for the deadbolt and the cryptographic code verification, enabling secure access while maintaining simple manual operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If door modifications are required for installation, then adaptability to existing doors is reduced, but structural integrity and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The deadbolt assembly is segmented into modular components that can be independently installed on existing doors. The bezel, torque blade, and deadbolt mechanism are separate units that assemble around the existing door structure, requiring no modifications to the door itself while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deadbolt mechanism is nested within the existing door structure, with the bezel mounting to the door surface and the torque blade extending through the door thickness. This nested arrangement allows the system to fit within existing door dimensions without requiring structural modifications.
4Ease of operation
If the bezel is freely rotatable, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel's rotational behavior is made dynamic rather than static. It is freely rotatable during authorized operation to allow easy deadbolt control, but its rotation is restricted and monitored during unauthorized access attempts. The code wheel's position and the control circuit's verification create dynamic security that adapts to the operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit provides feedback to the code wheel and bezel mechanism based on the rotation direction and code verification status. This feedback system enables the bezel to be freely rotatable for legitimate operations while detecting and preventing unauthorized access attempts through the same rotational input.
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 solution provides an additional layer of security by allowing manual operation of the deadbolt without motorization, enabling direct replacement of traditional keyed deadbolts and maintaining security without the need for door modifications, while allowing for easy code-based unlocking and locking.
Implementation Method 1
The electro-mechanical coupling mechanism is mounted to the chassis body, and is configured to selectively couple the manually operable bezel to the torque blade
Data Source
AI summary
A manually driven electronic deadbolt assembly configured with an electromechanical coupling mechanism to selectively couple a manually operable bezel to a torque blade for operation of a deadbolt mechanism. The electro-mechanical coupling mechanism is configured such that in a locked condition the manually operable bezel is drivably decoupled from the torque blade, such that the manually operable bezel is free-spinning when rotated so as to be rendered incapable of rotating the torque blade to operate the deadbolt mechanism. Also, the electro-mechanical coupling mechanism is configured to drivably couple the manually operable bezel to the torque blade when a valid code is input to a code input mechanism to facilitate the unlocked condition, such that a rotation of the manually operable bezel effects a rotation of the torque blade to operate the deadbolt mechanism.