Electronic Manual Lock Assembly Independent Stop Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic locks become inoperable when power is depleted or batteries fail, rendering them unable to be unlocked without mechanical intervention.
Innovation Solution
An electronic and manual lock assembly that incorporates a mechanical lock and an electric motor, allowing for independent movement of stop members to facilitate unlocking, even in the absence of power, through a combination of mechanical and electronic mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electronic lock is used to enable keyless unlocking, then convenience and security are improved, but the lock becomes inoperable when power is depleted or batteries fail
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is segmented into two independent subsystems: an electronic unlocking subsystem and a mechanical unlocking subsystem. Each subsystem can operate independently, allowing the mechanical key cylinder to function as a backup when the electronic system fails due to power depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop member is designed to change its positional parameter in response to power status. When power is available, the stop member blocks the shackle; when power is depleted, the stop member automatically repositions to allow mechanical unlocking, thus adapting to the changing power condition.
2Reliability
If a mechanical key system is added as backup, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock and mechanical key system are merged into a single integrated assembly sharing common components such as the housing, shackle, and stop member. This merging reduces overall complexity compared to having two separate lock systems, while maintaining both electronic and mechanical unlocking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical key cylinder serves multiple functions: it can unlock the lock when power is available, and it serves as the primary unlocking mechanism when power is depleted. The stop member also serves dual purposes by controlling both electronic and mechanical unlocking operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic and manual lock assembly having a lock housing, a mechanical lock, an electric motor, and a shackle having a pair of legs. The shackle can be unlocked relative to the housing by having one leg pivotally connected with the housing and the other leg rotated out of the housing. The lock includes a first stop member that prevents one leg from being rotated out of the housing. The first stop member is moveable as a result of unlocking the mechanical lock. The lock includes a second stop member that prevents one of the legs from being rotated out of the lock housing and is moveable as a result of operating the electric motor. The first stop member and the second stop member are independently moveable by the mechanical lock and the electric motor.