Lock Coupling Arrangement Using a Torsion Spring for Low Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock devices face challenges in achieving low power consumption, energy-efficient operation, simplified design, cost-effectiveness, reliable operation, and compact size while maintaining efficient coupling and uncoupling mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The proposed arrangement for a lock device incorporates an electromechanical actuator with a torsion spring that allows the actuating member to move uninterruptedly, enabling the coupling member to transition from an uncoupled to a coupled position without continuous power consumption. The torsion spring provides a constant force to overcome alignment issues or blockages, ensuring efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electromechanical actuator is used to move the coupling member between uncoupled and coupled positions, then the lock device can be controlled to unlock/lock, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock device operationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromechanical actuator operates periodically rather than continuously - it activates only when authorization is granted to move the coupling member from uncoupled to coupled position, and periodically to return to uncoupled position. This intermittent operation significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining reliable lock/unlock functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing rotational motion of the input member (from key insertion or manual operation) to automatically drive the coupling member between positions through the actuator mechanism, without requiring continuous external power. The actuator leverages the natural motion already present in the lock device operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the actuating member moves uninterruptedly to engage the coupling member, then the operation becomes smoother and more reliable, but the design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation reliabilityVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating member is integrated with the coupling member such that the actuator's linear motion directly engages and drives the coupling member's rotation in a unified mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate interruption and re-engagement mechanisms, achieving smooth uninterrupted operation while keeping the design relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator serves as an intermediary element that converts the rotational motion of the input member into linear motion of the actuating member, which then engages the coupling member. This intermediary mechanism ensures smooth, controlled engagement without interruptions while maintaining a straightforward design architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the torsion spring provides constant force to overcome alignment issues, then the energy efficiency improves, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The torsion spring is designed with specific parameters (coil diameter, wire thickness, number of turns) optimized to provide the necessary constant force for overcoming alignment issues and blockages. By carefully selecting these parameters, the spring delivers high energy efficiency while minimizing the space required, preventing excessive device size increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution achieves low power consumption and energy-efficient operation by utilizing a torsion spring to facilitate the coupling process without continuous power, resulting in a reliable, cost-effective, and compact lock device design.

Implementation Method 1

a torsion spring (30) having a first leg (62) and a second leg (64) movable away from each other against a deformation of the torsion spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12281497B2Arrangement for lock device, and lock device comprising arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 ASSA ABLOY AB

AI summary

An arrangement (10) for a lock device (88a, 88b), the arrangement (10) comprising an input member (12, 106); a coupling member (26) movable between an uncoupled position (34) and a coupled position (80); an electromechanical actuator (28) comprising an actuating member (42) linearly movable between an uncoupling actuating position (44) and a coupling actuating position (78); and a torsion spring (30) having a first leg (62) and a second leg (64) movable away from each other against a deformation of the torsion spring (30), wherein the actuating member (42) is arranged to engage the first leg (62) and the second leg (64) is arranged to engage the coupling member (26) when the coupling member (26) is in the uncoupled position (34) and the actuating member (42) moves from the uncoupling actuating position (44) to the coupling actuating position (78). A lock device (88a, 88b) comprising an arrangement (10) is also provided.