Electronic Lock Clutch Module for Jam-Free Mechanical Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic locks face issues with cog jamming during power failures, leading to mechanical unlocking failures and potential safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A clutch module with a damping device and restoring member that allows independent mechanical unlocking, ensuring the clutch disengages from meshing cogs during failures, integrating a motor-driven clutch with mechanical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If an electric clutch is used for automatic unlocking or locking, then the electronic lock achieves automated operation, but the clutch may jam during power failures causing mechanical unlocking failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic unlocking or lockingVSAvoidmechanical unlocking reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch module is divided into independent functional segments: the clutch mechanism for automated operation and the mechanical lock cylinder for emergency unlocking. This segmentation allows the mechanical system to function independently when the electronic system fails, resolving the contradiction between automation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch acts as an intermediary component that can be disengaged from the meshing cog through the restoring member. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to transition from electronic control to mechanical operation by separating the clutch from the driven cog, enabling mechanical unlocking during power failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the clutch is continuously engaged with the meshing cog for automated operation, then the electronic lock functions smoothly, but the clutch cannot disengage during failures preventing mechanical unlocking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth automated operationVSAvoidemergency mechanical unlocking capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch mechanism is designed with dynamic engagement and disengagement capabilities. Through the restoring member, the clutch can transition from an engaged state during normal operation to a disengaged state during failures, adapting the system behavior based on operational conditions while maintaining both smooth operation and emergency capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The restoring member is pre-configured to automatically disengage the clutch from the meshing cog when the driving device fails. This preliminary anti-action mechanism counteracts the harmful effect of continuous clutch engagement during failures, enabling mechanical unlocking by reversing the normal engagement state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Device complexity

If the clutch structure is integrated with the electronic control device, then the electronic lock achieves compact design, but the clutch cannot operate independently during power failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrated compact designVSAvoidindependent mechanical operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch module is designed with multi-functionality: it serves both as the automated unlocking mechanism when electrically driven and as a disengaged mechanical component allowing manual operation during failures. This universal design enables the same integrated structure to fulfill both automated and emergency mechanical functions without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 safe and reliable operation by allowing mechanical unlocking even during power outages or electronic failures, enhancing safety and reliability of electronic locks.

Implementation Method 1

the clutch is equipped with a damping device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the restoring member causes the clutch to disengage from the first meshing cog or the second meshing cog

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260002384A1Clutch module of electronic lock and electronic lock

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 SHENZHEN YILUO TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A clutch module of an electronic lock includes a housing. The housing is equipped with a lock cylinder connecting member, a first meshing cog, a second meshing cog, a restoring member, a clutch, and a driving device. The lock cylinder connecting member is configured for connecting with a mechanical lock cylinder or a switch knob, and the lock cylinder connecting member is rotatable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The first meshing cog is connected to the lock cylinder connecting member. The second meshing cog is connected to the lock cylinder connecting member. The clutch is connected to restoring member, and the clutch is equipped with a damping device. The driving device is connected to the clutch, and the driving device includes a driving state and a non-driving state.