Lock Coupling Layout for Compact Axial Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock devices with electromechanical coupling arrangements protrude axially due to the parallel alignment of the electric motor and engaging member, requiring additional components like escutcheons for concealment, and suffer from size, cost, power consumption, complexity, and security issues.
Innovation Solution
A coupling arrangement with a compact design featuring a rotatable input and output element, an engaging member movable between positions, and an electric motor affecting the engaging member's movement, allowing for a clutch mechanism that transmits rotation only when aligned, reducing axial size and using energy harvesting for authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric motor and engaging member are arranged in parallel with the rotation axis, then the coupling arrangement can achieve reliable engagement, but the axial size of the lock device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the electric motor from a parallel arrangement with the rotation axis to a perpendicular arrangement. The motor's drive shaft rotates perpendicular to the rotation axis, and the engaging member moves radially outward from the drive shaft to engage the coupling member. This dimensional change reduces axial protrusion while maintaining engagement reliability through the radial engagement path.
2Length of moving object
If the electric motor is positioned perpendicular to the rotation axis, then the axial size is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member serves multiple functions: it transmits rotation from the input element to the output element when engaged, provides a radial engagement surface for the engaging member, and acts as a clutch mechanism that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the perpendicular motor arrangement.
3Reliability
If a clutch mechanism is implemented for selective coupling, then security and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is merged with the coupling member itself. The coupling member includes engagement surfaces that radially outwardly engage with the engaging member, combining the clutch functionality with the existing coupling structure. This integration achieves selective coupling reliability without adding separate clutch components, thereby minimizing complexity.
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 solution results in a smaller, cost-effective, low-power, and secure lock device with reliable operation, enabling seamless access through energy-efficient mechanical and electrical integration.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor arranged to affect movement of the engaging member between the first position and the second position
Implementation Method 2
a transmission mechanism arranged to transmit a rotation of the coupling member to a movement of the coupling member from the decoupled position to the coupled position
Data Source
AI summary
Coupling arrangement for a lock device, the coupling arrangement comprising an input and an output element rotatable about a rotation axis; an engaging member movable between a first and second position; an electric motor arranged to affect movement of the engaging member between the first and second positions; a coupling member rotationally locked to the input element and axially movable relative to the input element between a decoupled position, where a rotation of the input element is not transmitted by the coupling member to a rotation of the output element, and a coupled position where a rotation of the input element is transmitted by the coupling member to a rotation of the output element; and a transmission mechanism arranged to transmit a rotation of the coupling member to a movement of the coupling member from the decoupled position to the coupled position when the engaging member adopts the second position.