Electromechanical Lock Core Coupling for Low-Power Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical locking systems are complex, cumbersome to manufacture, assemble, and use with different lock sets, and require excessive electrical power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical lock assembly with a lock core that is rotatably and axially displaceable, featuring an annular element that locks to the core upon insertion of an appropriate key, and a blocking arrangement that prevents unauthorized rotation using an annular element and stationary blocking member, minimizing the need for electrical actuators and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex electromechanical locking system with multiple coupling mechanisms is used, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into functionally independent segments: the lock core with key receptacle, the annular element with blocking member, and the stationary blocking member. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing simplified manufacturing and assembly while maintaining overall system reliability through modular functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-locking and self-blocking mechanisms where the annular element automatically engages with the stationary blocking member when rotated with an inappropriate key, and the coupling device automatically couples the annular element to the lock core when the correct key is inserted, eliminating the need for complex external control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical actuators and coupling devices are used to enable locking and unlocking, then functional versatility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex electrical actuation systems with a mechanical key-driven rotation mechanism. The programmable key's rotation directly drives the lock core, which through the coupling device and annular element mechanism, mechanically actuates the lock bolt without requiring continuous electrical power or complex motor control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and unlocking functions are achieved through periodic rotational actions of the key rather than continuous electrical actuation. The key rotation provides intermittent mechanical energy input only when needed, significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to systems requiring continuous electrical power for position maintenance.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple lock core design with integral parts is used, then ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but adaptability to different lock sets may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lock core is designed as an integral multi-functional component that combines the key receptacle, coupling device interface, and rotation drive function. This universal design allows the same lock core to be adapted to different lock set configurations by varying the stationary blocking member arrangement, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and broad compatibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electromechanical lock assembly (1;2) comprising a lock body (15;115), a lock core (17;117), a lock bolt operating member (19;119), and an electronic access control device. The electromechanical lock assembly further comprises an annular element (27;127) which is rotatably and axially displaceably mounted on said lock core (17;117), a coupling device (25;125) arranged to communicate with said electronic access control device and, upon the insertion of an appropriate key (65) in the key receptacle (37), rotationally lock the annular element (27;127) to the lock core (17;117), thereby enabling rotation of the lock core (17;117) in a first direction and thereby enabling unlocking of said lock (3) with said appropriate key (65), and a blocking arrangement (63) arranged to prevent unauthorized unlocking of said lock (3).