Locking Device Dual Activation Cam Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices that combine mechanical and non-mechanical activation are either too bulky, require many components, or fail to operate the bolt independently, leading to increased wear and reduced lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A compact and robust locking device that uses a bolt movable between extended and retracted positions, operated by a mechanical activation element and a non-mechanical control assembly with a cam and coupler system, allowing independent operation of both activation methods with minimal friction and energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a locking device combines mechanical and non-mechanical activation with multiple components, then both activation modes can operate the bolt, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical and non-mechanical activation paths into a unified follower system. The second follower serves as a common interface that receives input from either the activation element (mechanical) or the cam actuated by the electrical motor (non-mechanical), eliminating the need for separate transmission mechanisms for each activation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower arm and first follower are designed as universal components that can be actuated by either mechanical or non-mechanical means. The first follower pivot serves as a common rotation point that responds to both key rotation and electrical motor actuation, making the bolt operation mechanism independent of the activation source.
2Device complexity
If mechanical and non-mechanical activation share common components, then the device is more compact, but wear increases and lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wear-prone electrical motor from the direct bolt operation path by introducing a cam as an intermediary. The cam converts the motor's rotational motion into linear motion that actuates the second follower, while the mechanical activation path remains separate at the activation element level, preventing direct mechanical contact between the motor and bolt mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam serves as a mediator between the electrical motor and the follower system. It translates the motor's rotation into controlled linear displacement of the second follower without requiring direct mechanical coupling, thereby protecting the motor from wear and the follower from excessive forces.
3Loss of energy
If friction is reduced by minimizing pivots, then energy efficiency improves, but the device may become less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the activation mechanism into distinct functional zones: the activation element rotates on the first follower pivot to provide mechanical input, while the electrical motor rotates independently and actuates the cam separately. This segmentation allows each pivot to handle specific loads and motions, reducing overall friction while maintaining structural integrity through specialized component design.
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 locking device achieves efficient and independent operation of mechanical and non-mechanical activations, maintaining low friction and energy efficiency, thus enhancing the device's strength, precision, and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a cam operated by the actuator and a coupler for coupling a movement of the cam to the second follower
Implementation Method 2
a first follower for operating the bolt, the first follower being pivotable on a first pivot and comprising a follower arm that is configured to engage the bolt and move it between the extended position and the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking device (10) for independently operating a bolt (20) by a mechanical activation and a non-mechanical activation, the locking device comprising a bolt (20), a first follower (61) that is pivotable on a first pivot and comprising a follower arm (68) that is configured to engage the bolt and move it between the extended position (A) and the retracted position (B), a second follower (63) that is configured to contact the first follower (61) and move the follower arm (68), and further comprising a activation element (30) for mechanical activation of the bolt, and a control assembly (80) for non-mechanical activation of the bolt, wherein further wherein the control assembly comprises a play (P) such that the second follower when operated by the activation element is configured to move freely in relation to the cam and wherein further the first pivot is the activation element.