Locking Cylinder Floating Coupling Member Torque Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking cylinders, particularly those used in emergency door gear locks, face challenges in decoupling the locking member from the cylinder core without a key, especially under radial loads, and require complex mechanisms involving springs and control pins to ensure proper torque transmission and axial displacement.
Innovation Solution
The locking cylinder employs inclined flank torque transmission surfaces and a floating coupling member configuration, eliminating the need for a return spring, where the coupling member is shifted out of the coupling position by an axial force generated from applying torque to the closing member, ensuring decoupling without key insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring force is used to move the coupling member out of the coupling position, then the coupling member can be returned to its initial position, but the device complexity increases due to the additional spring component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component from the system by utilizing the inclined flank geometry itself to provide the necessary force for moving the coupling member out of engagement. The self-unlocking mechanism is achieved through the geometric configuration of the inclined flanks rather than an elastic element, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining the required functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member's return motion is achieved through the self-unlocking property of the inclined flanks under radial load. The system uses the applied load itself to trigger the decoupling action, eliminating the need for external energy storage elements like springs. The inclined flank geometry automatically converts the radial load into an axial force that ejects the coupling member from its engaged position.
2Ease of operation
If a control pin with oblique flanks is used to engage in a control recess, then the coupling member can be shifted out of coupling position under torque, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control pin mechanism with the coupling member itself, integrating the decoupling function directly into the coupling element. The coupling member is designed with inclined flanks that directly engage with corresponding inclined surfaces on the locking member, eliminating the need for a separate control pin and its associated control recess. This integration simplifies the overall structure while preserving the torque-activated decoupling functionality.
3Ease of operation
If torque transmission flanks with inclined surfaces are used, then axial force is generated to shift the coupling member out of coupling position, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the inclined flanks, specifically the inclination angle, to balance the self-unlocking capability with manufacturing feasibility. By carefully selecting the angle within a specific range, the design ensures that the inclined surfaces generate sufficient axial force for decoupling while remaining manufacturable using standard machining processes. This parameter optimization reduces the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining the desired functional performance.
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
This solution simplifies the locking mechanism by using inclined surfaces for torque transmission, allowing for reliable decoupling and preventing self-locking, enhancing the operational reliability and ease of use in emergency door applications.
Implementation Method 1
Either the coupling projection or the coupling recess or both have torque transmission flanks that form an inclined surface. If a torque is exerted on this inclined surface, a force is created which is directed in the axial direction away from the closing member and which shifts the coupling member out of the coupling position.
Implementation Method 2
the coupling member is mounted floating in a bearing cavity in the cylinder core. As a result of this configuration, the return spring provided in the prior art, which shifts the coupling member out of the coupling position, can be dispensed with.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The cylinder has a cylinder core coupled with a locking unit (6) by coupling elements (7, 8) during pushing of a key into a key channel, where the coupling elements are moved to a coupling position by a key tip. A coupling projection (9) of the coupling elements engages in a coupling recess (11) of the locking unit in the position. The coupling elements are moved from the position when the key is pulled by applying torque on the locking unit. A controller controls torque transmission edges (10, 12) of the projection and/or the recess for moving the coupling elements from the position.