Keyless Deadbolt Actuator Using Magnetic Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems do not allow for confident remote locking and unlocking of an existing deadbolt on a door.
Innovation Solution
A keyless locking system comprising a housing with a drive train sub-assembly, power transfer sub-assembly, and control member, which includes a motor, elastomeric component, C-channel, and magnets to remotely operate the deadbolt without modifying the existing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional locking system is used, then the door can be locked and unlocked, but it requires physical key access and does not allow remote operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the remote control and the deadbolt mechanism. Magnets are positioned on the door to couple with corresponding magnets in the locking system, enabling remote actuation of the deadbolt without direct physical contact or modification of the existing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-based locking system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Instead of using a physical key to turn the deadbolt, the system uses electromagnetic fields generated by magnets to remotely operate the locking mechanism, thereby eliminating the need for physical key access.
2Ease of operation
If the existing deadbolt is modified to enable remote operation, then remote locking is possible, but the original deadbolt mechanism is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking system into separate functional components: the existing deadbolt mechanism remains unchanged on the door, while a separate housing containing magnets and control electronics is mounted on the interior surface. This segmentation allows remote operation capability to be added without modifying the original deadbolt structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the new magnetic actuation system within a housing that is mounted on the door interior surface. The housing contains the magnets, power source, and control circuitry, effectively nesting these additional components in a compact form factor that does not interfere with the existing deadbolt mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If a keyless locking system is implemented, then remote location locking and unlocking is enabled, but the system requires additional components and installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the housing to serve multiple functions: it contains and protects the magnetic actuation components, provides a mounting structure for attachment to the door interior surface, and houses the power source and control electronics. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying assembly and installation.
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
Enables convenient and secure remote locking and unlocking of a deadbolt from a remote location, enhancing user convenience and security without altering the existing door hardware.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of magnets removably couple the housing to a door
Implementation Method 2
A drive train sub-assembly with a motor is within the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A keyless locking system for a door having an existing rotatable deadbolt. The keyless locking system has a housing, a drive train sub-assembly disposed within the housing, the drive train sub-assembly having a motor, and a power-transfer sub-assembly disposed within the housing, the power transfer sub-assembly having an actuator made of an elastomeric material and a C-channel shaped element configured to for positioning over the existing rotatable deadbolt when the housing is coupled to the door. The motor is operatively connected to the actuator to rotate the actuator and the actuator is operatively connected to the C-channel shaped element to rotate the C-channel shaped element. Rotational motive force of the motor is transferred from the actuator to the C-channel shaped element.