Lock Actuator Power Control for Cold Temperature Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered locking mechanisms, especially electrical locking motors in locks, experience performance issues at temperatures below ambient room temperature due to thickening lubricants and increased friction from thermal expansion, leading to sluggish operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that includes a controller to regulate electric power supplied to the locking mechanism based on temperature, providing a first level of power at ambient temperatures and a higher second level at sub-freezing temperatures, using a temperature sensor or electrical resistance measurement to determine power adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard electric locking mechanism is used, then the lock operates reliably at room temperature, but the locking mechanism becomes sluggish and unreliable at sub-freezing temperatures due to thickened lubricants and increased friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply to the locking mechanism adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the power level based on temperature conditions, switching between a first power level at room temperature and a second higher power level at sub-freezing temperatures. This dynamic adaptation allows the locking mechanism to overcome increased friction and viscosity effects in cold conditions while maintaining reliable operation across a wide temperature range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical power parameter supplied to the locking mechanism based on temperature. The controller monitors temperature and adjusts the power level accordingly, increasing the power at low temperatures to compensate for thickened lubricants and reduced clearances. This parameter change enables the system to maintain reliability across different temperature conditions without requiring physical modifications to the locking mechanism
2Reliability
If higher power is supplied to overcome friction at low temperatures, then the locking mechanism operates reliably in sub-freezing conditions, but more energy is consumed compared to room temperature operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power consumption based on environmental conditions. Rather than operating at a constant high power level, the controller supplies a lower first power level at room temperature and only increases to a second higher power level when sub-freezing temperatures are detected. This dynamic power management ensures reliable operation when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical power parameter is changed based on temperature conditions. The controller monitors temperature and adjusts the power supply accordingly, using a lower power level at ambient temperatures and switching to a higher power level only when cold temperatures require additional force to overcome friction and viscosity. This selective parameter change optimizes the balance between reliability and energy efficiency
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
Ensures reliable operation of locking mechanisms at varying temperatures by overcoming friction and viscosity issues, maintaining performance even at sub-freezing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
additional friction, for example, that result from the reduction of clearances due to the effects of coefficients of thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
performance of electrical locking motors in locks can become sluggish due to thickening viscosity of lubricants, e.g., grease
Data Source
AI summary
A lock includes an electrically powered locking mechanism operable between locked and unlocked positions, a power supply, and a controller for operating the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The controller regulates the amount of electric power supplied to the electrically powered locking mechanism and determines temperature in the vicinity of the locking mechanism, and is capable of supplying first and second levels of electric power to the electrically powered locking mechanism in accordance with the temperature in the vicinity of the locking mechanism. If the temperature in the vicinity of the locking mechanism is within a predetermined temperature range, a first level of electric power is supplied to the electrically powered locking mechanism to operate between locked and unlocked positions. If the temperature is below the predetermined temperature range, a second, lower level of electric power is supplied to the electrically powered locking mechanism.