Locking Bolt Activation with Play-Based Mechanical Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices face challenges in providing both mechanical and non-mechanical activation without adversely affecting each other, particularly in narrow profile locks where space is severely limited, and there is a need to protect non-mechanical activation from mechanical interference.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with a follower arrangement that allows mechanical and non-mechanical activation, featuring a play mechanism to prevent mechanical movements from affecting the non-mechanical components, ensuring a compact and robust design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical activation and non-mechanical activation are combined in the same locking device, then multiple functions are achieved, but the non-mechanical activation is damaged by mechanical operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple activation functionsVSAvoidnon-mechanical activation protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is divided into separate mechanical activation components (follower arm, locking bolt) and non-mechanical activation components (motor, rod arrangement), with a coupler mediating their interaction. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate independently while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A coupler is introduced as an intermediary component between the mechanical follower arm and the non-mechanical rod arrangement. The coupler enables controlled interaction where mechanical movement can initiate non-mechanical action, but non-mechanical operation does not adversely affect mechanical components, thus protecting the motor from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If mechanical and non-mechanical activation are integrated in narrow profile locks, then space efficiency is improved, but the available space for protecting non-mechanical components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking device sizeVSAvoidnon-mechanical component protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical follower arm and non-mechanical rod arrangement are merged into a compact integrated assembly within the narrow profile lock housing. The coupler enables these different activation mechanisms to share the same spatial envelope without interfering with each other, achieving space efficiency while maintaining component protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rod arrangement and coupler mechanism are nested within the confined space of the narrow profile lock, with components arranged concentrically or in layered configurations. This nesting allows the non-mechanical components to be housed within the same compact volume as the mechanical components, preserving both small size and component protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If the follower arm is directly connected to the rod arrangement, then mechanical movement is efficiently transferred, but the non-mechanical activation unit is damaged by repeated mechanical forcing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement transfer efficiencyVSAvoidnon-mechanical activation unit lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler serves as a protective intermediary between the follower arm and rod arrangement. It allows efficient movement transfer during intended operation while preventing harmful back-driving of the motor, thus extending the lifespan of the non-mechanical activation unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler is designed with asymmetric engagement characteristics that allow smooth operation in the forward direction (mechanical to non-mechanical) while preemptively preventing reverse movement that would damage the motor. This preliminary anti-action protects the motor from being forced backward by mechanical operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP4244449B1Locking device for mechanical and non-mechanical activation of a locking bolt

Publication Date: 2025.08.20 STENDALS ELEKTRISKA AB

Figure 1
Figure 2~3a
Figure 3b~3c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a locking device comprising - a locking bolt (12), - a follower arrangement (30) comprising a follower arm (32) and a follower (31) for mechanical activation of the locking device (12), - a non-mechanical activation unit (A) connected to a rod arrangement (40) wherein the locking device (10) comprises a coupler (50) for coupling a movement of the rod arrangement (40) in a first direction (D) to the follower arrangement (30) and causing a corresponding rotation of the follower arm (32), and wherein the locking device (10) further comprises a play (P) configured to allow rotation of the follower arm (32) caused by mechanical activation without causing a corresponding movement of the first rod (41) of the rod arrangement (40).