Electronic Lock Release Mechanism With Gearless Freewheel Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locking systems face challenges with low energy efficiency and bulky designs, leading to complex installations and increased mechanical losses, which hinder their performance and usability.
Innovation Solution
A release mechanism and freewheel mechanism are introduced, featuring a gearless design with position-based release and centrifugal force-activated pawls to reduce frictional losses, allowing for efficient energy harvesting and compact system integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a traditional tension-based release mechanism is used, then the locking system can release the locking member, but mechanical losses and frictional losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tension-based release mechanism and replaces it with a position-based release mechanism. The locking member is released based on its angular position rather than tension force, eliminating the need for springs and tension-based actuation. This extraction of the tension mechanism directly reduces mechanical losses and frictional losses while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical tension-based release system with a position-based release system. Instead of using springs and tension forces to actuate the release, the system uses the angular position of the locking member itself to trigger the release action. This substitution eliminates unnecessary mechanical components and reduces energy losses from friction and tension.
2Loss of energy
If a gear-based transmission system is used, then power can be transmitted from the door handle to the generator, but frictional losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the gear-based transmission system with a direct mechanical coupling system. The locking member is directly coupled to the generator shaft, eliminating the need for intermediate gears. This direct coupling reduces frictional losses from gear meshing while maintaining effective power transmission from the door handle to the generator, thereby improving energy conversion efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If a bulky structural design is used, then the locking system can accommodate all necessary components, but the device becomes complicated to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a more compact integrated structure. The release mechanism, locking member, and generator are arranged in a compact configuration where the locking member rotates within a confined space. The position-based release mechanism allows for a more space-efficient design compared to tension-based systems, reducing the overall volume while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes angular position as an additional dimension for controlling the release mechanism. Instead of using linear tension displacement, the system uses rotational angle to trigger the release action. This dimensional change allows for a more compact arrangement of components, reducing the overall volume of the locking system while simplifying installation procedures.
4Loss of energy
If a position-based release mechanism is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but the release timing must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member itself serves as the position sensor for the release mechanism. The angular position of the locking member directly determines when the release should occur, eliminating the need for separate sensors or complex control systems. This self-service approach achieves precise release timing while maintaining high energy efficiency, as the system uses the inherent mechanical position information rather than requiring additional measurement and control infrastructure.
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 proposed mechanisms enhance energy efficiency by eliminating tension-based releases and frictional losses, resulting in a more compact, reliable, and efficient electronic locking system with improved energy conversion and reduced mechanical losses.
Implementation Method 1
A freewheel mechanism and assemblies are provided, in which centrifugal force is used to move a pawl between a contact and a non-contact position with respect to a drive member
Data Source
AI summary
Release mechanism for an electronic locking system, wherein the release mechanism is configured such that an input member and an output member are locked against relative rotation and can rotate together within a locking ring opening when a locking member is located in an input member recess and in an output member recess, and such that the output member is released to rotate relative to the input member when the locking member is located in the output member recess and in a locking ring recess. A freewheel mechanism and assemblies for an electronic locking system are also provided.