Lock Clutch Assembly with Nested Driver and Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock systems lack efficient mechanisms for secure and user-friendly operation, particularly in terms of engaging and disengaging clutch mechanisms for locking and unlocking processes.
Innovation Solution
A clutch assembly for locks comprising a driver, coupler, and follower that rotate concentrically when engaged, with a power source controlling the coupler's movement along the driver shaft to engage or disengage the follower, allowing for secure locking and unlocking via a control member, and optionally incorporating authenticating devices like biometrics or wireless sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clutch mechanism is added to enable secure locking and unlocking, then security and control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly employs a nested structure where the follower is positioned within the driver assembly, and the coupler moves along the driver shaft to engage or disengage the follower. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components (driver, follower, coupler, spring) to be compactly integrated into a single clutch mechanism, achieving secure locking/unlocking functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded coupler mechanism automatically engages with the follower when the driver rotates, and the spring provides automatic resetting force. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for additional control components, enabling secure locking and unlocking through the inherent mechanical interaction between components rather than requiring complex external control systems.
2Ease of operation
If a power source and actuating mechanism are incorporated to control clutch engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic power sources and actuating mechanisms with a purely mechanical operation system. The user simply rotates the driver, and the mechanical interaction between the driver, coupler, and spring automatically controls clutch engagement and disengagement. This mechanical substitution achieves ease of operation while actually reducing device complexity compared to electronic control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the follower is configured to rotate independently when disengaged, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The follower is designed with dynamic capability to rotate independently when disengaged from the coupler, allowing the lock to accommodate different operational modes (locked and unlocked states). This dynamic configuration is achieved through the mechanical design that allows free rotation of the follower shaft when not engaged, providing adaptability without requiring additional components or complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch assembly for a lock includes a driver (1), having a driver shaft (9); a coupler (3); and a follower (2). The driver (1), the coupler (3) and the driver shaft (9) are configured to rotate concentrically together. The coupler (3) is configured to move along the central axis of the driver shaft (9) to couple to or decouple from the follower (2). The driver (1) and the follower (2) are configured to rotate concentrically together when the coupler (3) is engaged to the follower (2), and wherein the driver (1) and the follower (2) are configured to rotate independently when the coupler (3) is disengaged from the follower (2).