Lockset Drive Assembly for Automatic Bolt Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical locksets require manual retraction of latchbolts and deadbolts after presenting an authorized credential, which can be inconvenient, especially when the user's hands are occupied.
Innovation Solution
A lockset with a drive assembly that includes gear trains and an electromechanical driver to automatically retract both latchbolts and deadbolts upon authorization, allowing for hands-free operation by rotating a third input gear connected to both bolt systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual retraction mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates when hands are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically retracts the bolts after credential verification without requiring manual intervention. The controller detects authorized credentials and autonomously activates the drive assembly to retract both bolts, making the system serve itself rather than requiring user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical retraction with an electromechanical system. An electromechanical driver (motor) connected through gear trains automatically performs the retraction function, substituting the need for manual mechanical operation while maintaining mechanical bolt movement.
2Extent of automation
If automatic retraction is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bolt retraction functions into a single integrated drive assembly. One electromechanical driver with interconnected gear trains controls both the latchbolt and deadbolt simultaneously, merging what could be separate actuation systems into one unified mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly serves multiple functions: it can retract both bolts simultaneously, can be actuated by different input methods (credential verification, manual override), and integrates both electronic control and mechanical actuation in a single system that handles multiple security functions.
3Device complexity
If single driver controls multiple bolts, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability may worsen due to mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drive assembly into separate gear trains for each bolt (latchbolt gear train and deadbolt gear train), with each train independently connected to the common electromechanical driver. This segmentation allows individual bolt systems to be isolated and maintained separately while sharing the common motor drive.
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
Enables convenient, hands-free retraction of both latchbolts and deadbolts upon presenting an authorized credential, improving user experience by eliminating the need for manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical driver operable to rotate the third input gear in an unlocking direction
Implementation Method 2
a first gear train including a first input gear and a first output gear operably connected with the first bolt, a second gear train including a second input gear and a second output gear operably connected with the second bolt
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary lockset includes a first bolt, a second bolt, and a drive assembly operable to retract the first bolt and the second bolt. The drive assembly includes a first gear train including a first input gear and a first output gear operably connected with the first bolt, a second gear train including a second input gear and a second output gear operably connected with the second bolt, a third input gear, and an electromechanical driver operable to rotate the third input gear in an unlocking direction. The third input gear is engaged with the first input gear and the second input gear such that rotation of the third input gear in the unlocking direction causes rotation of the first and second output gears, thereby retracting the first and second bolts.