Lock Cylinder Opening System With Segmented Plugs And Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical/mechanical lock systems require high power to operate, leading to reliability issues, especially when onboard power is necessary, and they lack the ability to be easily retrofitted or operated manually during electrical failures.
Innovation Solution
A lock cylinder system with a modular design that includes a selector unit with a control and communications unit, a clutch unit, and a power assembly, allowing for remote and manual operation with minimal power consumption, and enabling easy retrofitting to existing lock installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electrical/mechanical lock systems are used to enable remote operation, then convenience and automation are improved, but power consumption increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into two independent cylindrical plugs: a first cylindrical plug with key slot for conventional mechanical operation, and a second cylindrical plug for electrical/remote operation. This segmentation allows each plug to function independently, so electrical failure does not compromise the mechanical locking capability, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling automation.
Solution Approach 2:
A clutch unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the electrical motor and the locking bolt. The clutch unit can engage or disengage the motor from the bolt, allowing the system to operate in electrical mode when powered and mechanical mode when power is unavailable, thus bridging the reliability gap between automated and manual operations.
2Ease of operation
If electrical motors are used to drive the locking mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical motor operates periodically rather than continuously - it is activated only when remote unlocking is required. During normal operation and power failure conditions, the mechanical key-operated system handles locking/unlocking. This periodic electrical activation significantly reduces overall power consumption while maintaining ease of operation for remote access.
3Extent of automation
If conventional cylinder locks are replaced with electrical systems, then automation capability is improved, but adaptability for retrofitting decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is designed with universal compatibility features - it can be installed in standard door locks and accepts both conventional keys and electrical actuation. The dual-plug design with standard key slots allows it to work with existing key systems, while the electrical motor provides automated operation. This multi-functionality enables easy retrofitting to existing installations without requiring complete system replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock cylinder opening system comprising: a lock cylinder body housing with a direction of elongation defining an axial direction for the system, having a first and a second end, and having a first and a second axial bores; a rotatable first cylindrical plug in the first bore, the first plug having an axially extending key slot from the first end of the lock cylinder; a rotatable second cylindrical plug in the first bore, the second plug extending to the second end; a rotatable opening shaft in the second bore, the opening shaft extending at the first and second ends of the lock cylinder; and a selector unit positioned at the second end, having a mechanical connection with the second plug and receiving the opening shaft, the selector unit adapted to selectively enable and disable rotation of the second plug by rotation of the opening shaft.