Locking Device Anti-Jam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic locker locks can jam, causing issues with transitioning between locked and unlocked states, leading to user confusion or difficulty in securing the lock.
Innovation Solution
A lock design featuring an actuator movable between unlocked and locked positions, with a bolt that can extend or retract independently, and a coupling element biased by spring-loaded components to facilitate smooth operation even when jammed, using sensors to communicate position signals to the controller for user feedback and error handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used where the bolt is directly coupled to the actuator, then the structure is simple, but the locking element can jam causing the user to believe the lock is secured when it is not
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into independent components: the actuator can move between locked and unlocked positions independently, while the bolt can extend and retract independently through a separate mechanism involving a coupling element and biasing elements. This segmentation allows the actuator to indicate the locking state reliably while the bolt independently ensures physical security, preventing jamming issues.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling element is introduced as an intermediary between the actuator and the bolt. This coupling element includes a first biasing element that biases it toward a retracted coupling position, allowing the actuator to move independently from the bolt. The intermediary enables reliable state indication while preventing direct coupling that would cause jamming.
2Ease of operation
If the bolt is directly coupled to the actuator, then the mechanism is straightforward, but difficulty arises in successfully placing the lock in the locked or unlocked state when jamming occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic elements including a second biasing element that biases the bolt toward an extended bolt position, and a coupling element that can move between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic configuration allows the bolt to be urged into the extended position to clear jams, while sensors provide real-time feedback on the actual state, ensuring both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors are implemented to detect the position of the actuator and bolt, providing feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor whether the lock is properly engaged or jammed, enabling the user to take appropriate action and ensuring the lock is in the intended state, thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability.
3Reliability
If a larger motor is used to ensure the bolt moves reliably, then the locking is more reliable, but maintenance and battery consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second biasing element is configured to automatically urge the bolt into the extended bolt position when the coupling element is in the retracted coupling position. This preliminary action ensures the bolt is proactively positioned to clear jams or maintain security without requiring additional motor power, thereby improving reliability while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing elements are designed to automatically manage bolt positioning and jam clearance without requiring user intervention or additional motor power. The second biasing element self-activates to extend the bolt when needed, and the coupling element's movement automatically triggers appropriate bolt positions, enabling the system to service itself and maintain reliability with minimal energy input.
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 design prevents damage to internal components, allows the lock to function normally after clearing jams, and provides immediate return to operation, reducing maintenance and battery consumption by using a smaller motor that only acts in one direction.
Implementation Method 1
A first biasing element biases the coupling element toward the retracted coupling position
Implementation Method 2
a second biasing element coupling the coupling element to the bolt and is structured to bias the bolt away from the coupling element and towards the extended bolt position
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a lock including an actuator that is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, and a bolt that is movable between an extended bolt position and a retracted bolt position independent of the position of the actuator. In the extended bolt position, the bolt extends outside a body of the lock. A coupling element is arranged between the actuator and the bolt and is movable between an extended coupling position and a retracted coupling position in response to movement of the actuator between the locked position and the unlocked position. A first biasing element biases the coupling element toward the retracted coupling position, and a second biasing element couples the coupling element to the bolt and is structured to bias the bolt away from the coupling element and towards the extended bolt position.