Electromechanical Lock Pivotal Pin Key Removal Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical lock devices lack mechanical resetting of latch elements, leading to security issues when the key-mounted battery is removed, and are often space-consuming and code-dependent.
Innovation Solution
A lock device with a pivotal pin that undergoes rotational movement, allowing the latch mechanism to be automatically returned to a latching state when the key is removed, independent of key design and occupying minimal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a linearly movable finger is used to rotate the actuator, then the latch mechanism can be controlled, but the device becomes space-consuming and code-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linearly movable finger mechanism with a magnetically actuated rotatable element. The magnetic field from the key directly rotates the element without requiring linear movement or code surfaces, eliminating the space-consuming mechanical linkage while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs magnetic field interaction as an analog to pneumatic/hydraulic systems, where the magnetic field from the key acts as the control medium to rotate the element, replacing the need for physical mechanical contact and linear movement mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a linearly movable finger with code surface is used, then the latch can be controlled, but the solution becomes code-dependent and cannot work with keys lacking code surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable element can be actuated by the magnetic field from any key with a magnet, making the system universal and adaptable to different key types. The magnetic interaction does not require specific code surfaces or patterns, allowing the same mechanism to work with various key designs.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the mechanical code surface interaction with magnetic field interaction, the system gains versatility. The magnetic field penetrates through materials and does not require precise mechanical alignment or code surfaces, enabling compatibility with diverse key types.
3Device complexity
If the latch mechanism lacks mechanical resetting, then the structure can be simpler, but security is compromised when the key battery is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically resets itself through the magnetic interaction. When the key is removed, the magnetic field disappears and the latch naturally returns to the locked position without requiring external power or complex resetting mechanisms, achieving both simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic key prevents the latch from resetting to the locked position during active use, but automatically allows resetting when removed. This preliminary design ensures that security is maintained during operation while automatic resetting is enabled when the key is absent, without requiring additional 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 provides a code-independent and space-efficient mechanism for ensuring the latch returns to a secure position, enhancing security by being operational with any key type and reducing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
rotary movement of a manoeuvring device in the form of a pivotal pin can be converted to actuator movement
Data Source
AI summary
A lock device comprises a housing (2) which includes an opening (4) and a core (10) which is rotatably disposed in the opening. A latching element (20) co-acts between the housing and the core and can be moved between a release position in which the core is rotatable relative to the housing, and a latching position in which rotation of the core relative to the housing is blocked. An electronically controllable actuator (30) is disposed in the core and is moveable between an opening-registering-position in which the latching element is movable to the release position, and a latching position in which movement of the latching element to said release position is blocked. A returning means (50) co-acts mechanically with a key in a key way in the core and with the actuator and such as to move the actuator away from the position of the opening to a further latching position in response to the key being drawn out of the keyway. Movement of the latching element to said release position is blocked by the actuator in this further latching position. Because the returning means is rotatable there is obtained a small latching mechanism that is returned mechanically to a latching position upon removal of the key.