Lock Actuation System with Integrated Coupling for Low-Profile Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door locking systems with integrated authentication mechanisms have a high structural height, limiting their installation to flush with the door surface and preventing use in tubular frame doors due to their overall height, which restricts their application.

Innovation Solution

A lock actuation system with a functional carrier, a door operating part, and a coupling mechanism where the coupling element can transition from a non-contact to a contact position with a counter-coupling element, integrated within a bearing element, allowing torque transmission while minimizing the system's overall height by integrating the coupling element into the bearing element and dividing the function carrier into distinct functional areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the coupling element is integrated into the bearing element, then the overall height of the system is reduced, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall heightVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element is integrated into the bearing element, merging two separate components into one unified structure. This reduces the overall height of the system while maintaining the functional separation through internal design, resolving the contradiction between compactness and structural clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling element is nested within the bearing element, allowing one component to be housed inside another. This nesting approach minimizes the external dimensions and overall height of the system while preserving the distinct functional areas internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of stationary object

If the system is designed with low overall height, then it can be installed in tubular frame doors, but the mounting space for electronic components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall heightVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The functional carrier is interrupted in its outer contour to create functional areas, effectively utilizing the available space in a two-dimensional layout rather than requiring additional height. This allows electronic components to be mounted within the planar functional areas while maintaining a low-profile overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Different functional areas are created within the functional carrier by interrupting its outer contour, allowing specific regions to be optimized for different purposes (e.g., card reader, electronics mounting). This local differentiation maximizes the utility of the limited space available in the low-height design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the functional carrier is interrupted to create functional areas, then antenna placement is improved, but the structural integrity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna placementVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The functional carrier is segmented into different functional areas by interrupting its outer contour. This segmentation allows optimal placement of antennas and electronic components in specific zones while maintaining the overall structural framework, balancing functional versatility with structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2909402B2System for lock actuation
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • EP2909402B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2909402B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2909402B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (1) for operating a lock (2), comprising a functional support (6), in particular a frame, a door operating part (7), in particular a door handle, a bearing element (8), which is connected to the functional support (6) in a rotationally fixed manner and which is used to support the door operating part (7) on the functional support (6), and a coupling, which comprises at least one coupling element (15), which can be moved from a position in which the coupling element is not in contact to a position in which the coupling element is in contact with a coupling counter element (3) integrated in the lock (2), wherein in the position of the coupling element (15) in which the coupling element is not in contact with the coupling counter element (3), the door operating part (7) can be freely rotated without transferring a torque to the lock (2), and wherein in the position of the coupling element (15) in which the coupling element is in contact with the coupling counter element (3), a torque applied to the door operating part (7) can be transferred by means of the coupling element (15) to the coupling counter element (3) and by means of the coupling counter element to the lock (2), wherein the coupling element (15) is integrated in the bearing element (8) at least in the position in which the coupling element is not in contact.