Lock Coupling Arrangement Using Torsion Spring for Low-Power Engagement
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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 ensuring efficient coupling and uncoupling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The proposed lock device incorporates a torsion spring with a first and second leg that allows the actuating member to move uninterruptedly, using a torsion spring to exert a constant force on the coupling member, enabling efficient coupling and uncoupling without continuous power consumption, and includes a lead screw and nut mechanism to reduce energy loss and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clutch mechanism with multiple components (slider, spring, worm screw) is used, then the coupling and uncoupling function is achieved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the slider, spring, and actuating member into a single integrated actuating member that directly engages with the coupling member. This merging eliminates the need for separate slider and spring components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the coupling and uncoupling function through the interaction of the actuating member's engagement surfaces with the coupling member's corresponding surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the worm screw mechanism from the design. By removing this component, the system achieves simpler operation and lower power consumption while still providing reliable coupling and uncoupling through the direct engagement of the actuating member with the coupling member, without requiring continuous power to maintain the engaged state.
2Stability of the object's composition
If continuous power is supplied to maintain coupling, then the coupling stability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating member is designed to maintain the coupled state through its own mechanical configuration without requiring continuous external power. The engagement surfaces between the actuating member and coupling member create a self-locking mechanism that maintains stability passively, eliminating the need for continuous power supply to sustain the coupled state.
Solution Approach 2:
Power is applied only periodically during the transition phases (coupling and uncoupling operations) rather than continuously. The actuator provides power briefly to move the actuating member into or out of engagement, after which the mechanical design maintains the state without additional power input, significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for coupling mechanism, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple components into the integrated actuating member, the number of parts requiring manufacturing and assembly is reduced. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining reliability through the carefully designed engagement surfaces that ensure proper coupling and uncoupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuator and the coupling element, engages with the coupling member to transmit or block rotation, and provides the uncoupling function by disengaging from the coupling member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining operational reliability.
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 provides a highly energy-efficient mechanism for transferring movement between the actuating member and the coupling member, ensuring reliable operation with minimal power usage and a compact design, while maintaining the ability to couple and uncouple even when alignment is obstructed.
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
Implementation Method 2
includes a lead screw and nut mechanism to reduce energy loss and enhance efficiency
Data Source
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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.