Electro-mechanical Lock Bezel Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock systems lack an efficient mechanism for automatic and secure engagement or disengagement of deadbolts or latches using a combination code, often requiring manual operation and lacking a seamless integration of mechanical and electrical components for secure and user-friendly operation.
Innovation Solution
An electro-mechanical lock assembly that includes a keypad, motor, gear, spline-driver, torque member, and bezel, where a correct combination code activates the motor to rotate a shaft, compressing a spring which engages a carriage to move a spline-driver between a housing and gear, allowing manual rotation of the bezel to extend or retract the latch, ensuring secure and automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to engage or disengage the latch, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and security are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical operation with an electro-mechanical system. A motor assembly receives electrical signals from a control system (keypad, biometric sensor, etc.) and automatically actuates the latch mechanism, substituting manual mechanical effort with automated electromechanical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a motor assembly as an intermediary between the control system and the latch mechanism. This intermediary converts electrical control signals into mechanical motion, enabling automatic latch engagement and disengagement without direct manual manipulation of the latch itself.
2Reliability
If a simple mechanical lock is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the security and automation capability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical locking with an electro-mechanical system that incorporates a motor assembly and control system. This substitution enables automated security features including code verification, biometric authentication, and remote control capabilities while maintaining mechanical reliability through the integrated motor-latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional lock system that can operate through multiple authentication methods (keypad code, biometric sensor, remote signal) and provides multiple operational modes (automatic latch engagement, manual override, locked position). This universal approach enhances security while managing complexity through integrated control logic.
3Extent of automation
If automated motor-driven operation is implemented, then the ease of operation and security are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electro-mechanical lock system into distinct functional modules: a motor assembly, a latch mechanism, a control system, and a housing. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete automated lock system, thereby managing manufacturing complexity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motor assembly and latch mechanism into a single integrated electro-mechanical unit. The motor's drive shaft is directly coupled to the latch through a drive interface, combining electrical actuation and mechanical locking functions into one unified component that reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps.
4Ease of operation
If manual rotation of the bezel is required to move the latch, then the mechanical simplicity is maintained, but the automation capability and user convenience are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for manual bezel rotation with automated motor-driven actuation. The motor assembly receives electrical commands from the control system and automatically rotates the bezel or directly actuates the latch mechanism, eliminating the need for manual user intervention in the latch movement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions (code verification, biometric scanning, remote authorization) before automatically actuating the latch. This preliminary automated verification eliminates the need for manual intervention during the critical security verification phase, providing both automation convenience and enhanced security.
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 system provides a secure and user-friendly method for automatically engaging or disengaging a latch based on a correct code input, enhancing security and convenience by integrating mechanical and electrical components for seamless operation.
Implementation Method 1
A spring wraps around the shaft that is configured to compress or expand by the pin and depending on the direction of rotation of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
power is supplied to a motor that rotates a shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an electro-mechanical lock assembly which illustratively includes a motor, a gear, a driver, a torque member, a housing, and a bezel. The motor is operable upon selective input. The motor is also coupled to the driver to engage both the gear and the housing when the motor is in operation. The bezel is attached to the gear such that when the driver is engaged with both the gear and the housing, manual rotation of the bezel will rotate the housing. The housing is attached to the torque member which is configured to move a latch such that when the bezel rotates the latch is moved.