Locking Device Ball Transmission for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices with axial extensions that manipulate balls for locking mechanisms suffer from wear issues due to non-smooth surfaces, impairing their functionality over time, and lack key-less operation to prevent unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a drive means, plunger, and spring biased balls that connect the housing to a carrier, utilizing a motor or solenoid for key-less operation, featuring a transmission construction with circumferential balls and a central spring biased ball to securely lock and unlock without a key, ensuring unauthorized access prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an axial extension is used to manipulate locking balls, then the locking mechanism can be actuated, but the surface of the axial extension wears on the balls over time due to lack of smooth circumferential surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the axial extension with a ball that has a smooth circumferential surface. This spherical geometry eliminates the wear problem because the ball's surface is inherently smooth and can roll against the locking balls without the friction and wear associated with a non-rotating axial extension. The ball can rotate freely, maintaining continuous contact without surface degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ball that can rotate dynamically instead of a static axial extension. This rotational capability allows the ball to maintain smooth contact with the locking balls during actuation, reducing friction and wear. The dynamic rotation ensures that any point on the ball's surface can contact the locking balls, distributing wear evenly and preventing localized degradation.
2Reliability
If a traditional key-based lock cylinder is used, then unauthorized access can be prevented, but the operation requires a key which may be lost or duplicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional key-based mechanical locking system with an electric motor-driven system. The motor actuates the ball that manipulates the locking balls, eliminating the need for a physical key. This substitution maintains security through controlled actuation while improving convenience by allowing operation through electrical signals that can be controlled by codes, cards, or other electronic authentication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from mechanical key insertion and rotation to electrical motor actuation. This parameter change allows for more flexible control methods including electronic keys, access codes, or remote operation, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining or enhancing security through programmable access control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two lock cylinders are connected with balls that can move freely in circumferential direction, then one cylinder can rotate relative to the other, but unauthorized rotation can occur without proper locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking mechanism into distinct functional segments: the first lock cylinder, the second lock cylinder, the pressing member, and the balls. This segmentation allows independent control of each component. The balls are constrained to move only in the axial direction under controlled conditions, while circumferential rotation is prevented unless proper locking engagement occurs, thereby securing against unauthorized rotation while maintaining necessary adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the pressing member as an intermediary between the motor and the balls. This intermediary translates the motor's linear motion into controlled axial movement of the balls, which in turn controls the engagement between the lock cylinders. The intermediary ensures that balls are only forced into the second cylinder's holes under controlled conditions, preventing unauthorized circumferential rotation while allowing necessary relative movement.
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 solution provides a reliable, key-less locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized access by maintaining secure engagement and disengagement of the locking mechanism, reducing wear and enhancing operational longevity through controlled ball movement and secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased ball movable along a rotating shaft of a first lock cylinder
Implementation Method 2
A pair of movable balls are driven into a first and second receiving holes by a pressing member moveable along a rotating shaft of a first lock cylinder by a driving motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking device 1 comprising a rotatably arranged housing 2, a plunger 13 axially movable within the housing 2, a driver 9 rotatably arranged at a first end 18 of the housing 2, the end 18 directed towards the locking mechanism 4, to transfer motion from the housing 2 to the latch 6, a drive means 10 for moving the plunger 13, a transmission construction 12 presenting two optional modes; one for transfer motion from the housing 2 to the driver 9 and one preventing transfer of motion from the housing 2 to the driver 9. The transmission construction 12 comprises a central ball 17 and at least two outer balls 20 arranged in a recess 21 inside the end 18 of the housing 2 and movable inside the cavity 21 to and from ball accommodating cavities 22 depending on the optional mode.