Lock Position Sensor Using Omnipolar Hall Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock assemblies lack a secure and reliable method for determining the lock position using omnipolar magnetic detection within the interior lockset.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly with an interior lockset that incorporates an Omnipolar Hall Effect Sensor and a sensing mechanism, utilizing a magnet and sensor cam to detect the rotational position of the locking spindle assembly, providing electrical outputs to a control electronics module to indicate the lock status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock position sensor is added to the interior lockset, then the reliability of lock status detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lock position sensing mechanisms with an Omnipolar Hall Effect Sensor that uses magnetic field detection. The sensor includes a Hall element that detects the position of a magnet attached to the locking spindle assembly, providing electrical signals that indicate locked or unlocked states without requiring mechanical contact or complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element between the locking spindle assembly and the Hall Effect Sensor. The magnet's position relative to the sensor changes based on the locking mechanism's state, allowing the sensor to indirectly detect lock status through magnetic field variations rather than direct mechanical sensing.
2Measurement precision
If an Omnipolar Hall Effect Sensor is used for magnetic detection, then the measurement precision of lock position is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the Omnipolar Hall Effect Sensor's ability to detect magnetic field parameters (strength and direction) to determine lock position. The sensor can distinguish between different magnetic pole configurations and field intensities, providing precise detection of the locking spindle's rotational position without requiring tight mechanical tolerances in the sensor mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet is pre-positioned on the locking spindle assembly at specific locations corresponding to locked and unlocked states. This preliminary placement of the magnet allows the Hall Effect Sensor to reliably detect lock status based on predetermined magnetic field patterns, reducing the need for high-precision sensor positioning during assembly.
3Loss of information
If a lock position sensor system is implemented, then the information accuracy about lock status is improved, but the loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Hall Effect Sensor operates passively by detecting the magnetic field generated by the magnet on the locking spindle assembly. The magnet serves as a self-powered signal source that requires no external energy input, allowing the sensor to continuously monitor lock status without consuming significant power. The magnetic field is inherently present and continuously available for detection.
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
Enables secure and reliable detection of the lock status, allowing for accurate determination of whether the lock is in a locked or unlocked condition, enhancing security and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The Omnipolar Hall Effect Sensor is configured to detect a presence or an absence of a magnetic field produced by the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly includes an exterior lockset that includes an exterior operator handle. An interior lockset includes an interior operator assembly and a control electronics module. An outer spindle is operatively coupled to a latch assembly and is drivably coupled to the interior operator assembly. A locking mechanism is operatively coupled to a drive assembly, and includes a coupling mechanism and a locking spindle assembly. The coupling mechanism is configured to selectively couple the exterior operator handle to the outer spindle. The locking spindle assembly is configured to operate the coupling mechanism to transition from a locked condition to an unlocked condition by an actuation of the drive assembly. A lock position sensor is located in the interior lockset and is communicatively coupled to the control electronics module. The lock position sensor is configured to sense whether the coupling mechanism is in the locked condition or the unlocked condition.