Electromagnetic Lock Assembly Using Door Pressure for Low-Energy Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock mechanisms require significant energy to transition from a locked to an unlocked state, especially when subjected to high door frame pressure, necessitating a reduction in the electrical energy required for this transition.
Innovation Solution
The applied door frame pressure is harnessed as a power source to release the lock mechanism, utilizing a well-defined release force through a mechanism involving an amplifier arm and release arm system to minimize the electrical energy needed, allowing the lock to transition with minimal energy input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solenoid is used to move the locking mechanism from locked to unlocked state, then the lock can be released, but the electrical energy required increases significantly when door frame pressure is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful door frame pressure into a beneficial force by using a spring mechanism that stores energy when compressed by the pressure. This stored mechanical energy assists the solenoid in releasing the locking mechanism, thereby reducing the electrical energy required while maintaining reliable operation under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism serves itself by automatically storing energy from door frame pressure and releasing it when needed. The system uses the environmental pressure itself to prepare the release mechanism, eliminating the need for additional external energy input beyond what the solenoid provides.
2Strength
If door frame pressure is applied to the drop lock plunger, then the lock remains securely locked, but the force required to release the plunger increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the door frame pressure that strengthens the lock into a beneficial pre-loaded spring force. The spring compresses under this pressure, storing mechanical energy that will assist in the release process, thereby maintaining strong locking while preparing the system for easier release.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to door frame pressure by allowing the spring to compress and store energy during the locked state. This dynamic response enables the mechanism to automatically adjust to varying pressure conditions while maintaining consistent release characteristics.
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
The lock assembly efficiently transitions to an unlocked state using minimal electrical energy, even under high door frame pressure, enabling easy door opening with slight pressure.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic member, e.g. a solenoid, of the lock to move the locking mechanism to the unlocked state
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A lock assembly (1) comprising one or two drop lock plunger(s) (2) configured to be in a locked operation state and in an unlocked operation state, a locking member (3) arranged to be moveable between an outer and an inner position, a pressure body (4) mounted to linearly cooperate with said locking member (3), a holding arm having an elongated shape and arranged to be rotatable about a rotation axis at one of its ends, and - an electromagnetic member (14) that upon activation is arranged to apply a pulling force to a release arm (7). The lock assembly further comprises an amplifier arm (6) having an elongated shape and arranged to be rotatable about a rotation axis at one of its ends, the other end is structured to cooperate with said release arm (7). The amplifier arm is provided with two contact surfaces, a first contact surface (20) in an indentation (16) intended to be in contact with the contact surface at other end of said holding arm (5), and a second contact surface (19) intended to be in contact with a contact surface of said pressure body protrusion (15), and wherein, when in the locked state and external pressure is supplied to the drop lock plunger (1), the external pressure is resulting in that a rotational force is applied to said amplifier arm (6) in a first direction. Upon activation of said electromagnetic member (14), the rotational force provides movement to the amplifier arm (6) such that the first contact surface (19) is released from the holding arm, thereby allowing the locking member (3) to move inwards that in turn will transfer the drop lock plunger into their unlocked operation state.