Locking Device Sensor Feedback Reduces Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-motor driven locking systems experience high wear and operational issues due to constant maximum force usage and misinterpretation of end positions, leading to unnecessary load and potential damage when used with electric revolving gate drives.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors connected to the motor control to query the position of the actuating element, such as a toothed rack, with a coupling element allowing independent movement of the drive rod during self-locking, reducing motor load and preventing misinterpretation of end positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor always drives the toothed rack into the mechanical end stop with maximum force, then the locking system achieves reliable locking, but the components experience high wear and high current consumption
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor queries the position of the toothed rack and provides feedback to the motor controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine when the rack has reached the correct position and stops driving it, preventing continuous maximum force application and reducing wear on mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pure mechanical end-stop detection with an electronic sensor-based position detection system. The sensor optically or magnetically detects rack position without mechanical contact, eliminating wear associated with mechanical switches or limit stops.
2Reliability
If the motor drives the toothed rack with maximum force to ensure locking, then the locking is secure, but the motor and gearing experience high load and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor provides real-time position feedback to the motor controller, enabling the motor to apply force only when needed and to reduce or stop force when the rack reaches the correct position. This prevents continuous high-load operation and extends motor and gearing life.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor operates in periodic pulses rather than continuous maximum force mode. The sensor triggers motor activation only when the rack needs adjustment, and the motor stops when the position is correct, creating an on-demand periodic operation pattern that reduces cumulative stress on mechanical components.
3Reliability
If the connecting rod is mechanically blocked after locking, then the locking is secure, but the motor controller misinterprets the end position when used with electric revolving gate drives
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor provides accurate position feedback about the toothed rack independently of the connecting rod's mechanical block position. This electronic feedback prevents misinterpretation by the motor controller, as it directly queries the rack position rather than inferring it from motor position or current consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the toothed rack and the motor controller, providing accurate position information without being affected by the mechanical block status of the connecting rod. This intermediary measurement system resolves the information conflict between mechanical locking state and motor position interpretation.
4Reliability
If sensors are added to query the toothed rack position, then wear and misinterpretation are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection mechanisms (such as mechanical switches, limit stops, or current-based inference systems) with a simpler electronic sensor. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving reliability, as electronic sensors have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance.
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
Ensures reliable, trouble-free operation with reduced wear on components and seamless integration with electric revolving gate drives by accurately tracking the rack position without direct motor control interference.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor or the sensors be triggered by a triggering element, for example a triggering carriage, which is movably guided with the actuating element
Implementation Method 2
a recess in the drive rod, in which engages a driver of the actuating element, is provided in an actuating direction with a clearance, which allows a displacement of the drive rod in the course of the automatic locking of the additional lock, without the actuating element being displaced
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking system with multi-point locking, comprising: - a central lock (1) with latch (4) and/or central bolt (5), - a self-locking auxiliary lock (2), - a drive rod (7) displaceable along an actuation direction (B), which connects the central lock (1) with the auxiliary lock (2) so that the auxiliary lock (2) can be actuated via the central lock (1), - a motor assembly (12) comprising at least one motor (14), a motor control unit (13) and an actuating element (17) (for example, a rack with a drive cam) for the drive rod (7) driven by the motor (14), wherein the locking element (6) of the auxiliary lock (2) can be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by the motor assembly (12). This locking system is characterized in that the motor assembly (12) has at least one sensor connected to the motor control unit (13). (20a,20b) exhibits,which queries at least one position of the actuating element (17).