Magnetic Coupling Device for Lock Handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for external handles to locks suffer from jamming, complexity, limited durability, need for lock disassembly for directional adaptation, and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device utilizing a rotatable element activated by an electric motor with permanent magnets and an endless screw, allowing for stable coupling and decoupling without disassembly, minimizing energy use, and adapting to both left and right-opening doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical or electromechanical coupling devices are used to enable selective opening from outside, then the threshold can be opened selectively, but the devices suffer from jamming, complexity, limited durability, and high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromechanical coupling mechanisms with a magnetic coupling system. Permanent magnets create magnetic fields that couple the external handle to the lock body without mechanical contact, eliminating jamming and reducing component complexity while maintaining reliable selective opening functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the external handle and the lock mechanism. This magnetic field mediates the coupling and decoupling actions without requiring direct mechanical contact, thereby reducing complexity and improving reliability
2Reliability
If continuous electrical energy is supplied to maintain coupling and decoupling conditions, then the coupling state can be maintained, but energy consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs permanent magnets that generate magnetic fields without requiring external energy input. The magnetic coupling is maintained passively through the inherent magnetic properties of the materials, eliminating the need for continuous electrical energy supply while maintaining stable coupling conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermittent electrical energy only for switching between coupled and decoupled states, rather than continuous energy supply. The electric motor activates temporarily to reposition the magnets, after which the magnetic coupling is maintained passively, significantly reducing overall energy consumption
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lock must be demounted to adapt to left or right-directed opening, then the coupling can be adapted to different door orientations, but the complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal magnetic coupling system where the permanent magnets can be positioned to accommodate both left-directed and right-directed opening doors. The same basic coupling device structure serves multiple functions and configurations without requiring demounting or complex adaptation procedures
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 stable, energy-efficient, and durable coupling mechanism with reduced component complexity, eliminating jamming and enabling adaptation to different door orientations without disassembly, while maintaining reliability and minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first permanent magnetic pole (6) and a second permanent magnet pole (7) having an opposite polarity destined to selectively face, by effect of the rotation of the rotatable element (4), a third permanent magnetic pole (8) present in the coupling element (5) such as to subject the coupling element (5) to a magnetic displacement force
Implementation Method 2
The first permanent magnetic pole (6) belongs to a first permanent magnet (306), the second magnetic pole (7) belongs to a second permanent magnet (307), and the third magnetic pole (8) belongs to a third permanent magnet (308)
Implementation Method 3
The rotatable element (4) is activated by an electric motor (9)
Implementation Method 4
The rotatable element (4) comprises a wheel exhibiting a cogging (12) which enmeshes with an endless screw (13) fixed to the end of the output shaft of the electric motor (9)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The coupling device (1) of an external handle to a lock comprises a rotatable element (4, 30) for translatingly displacing a coupling element (5, 36) of the external handle to the lock, the rotatable element (4, 30) having a first permanent magnetic pole and at least a second permanent magnetic pole (6, 7) which are of opposite polarity and destined to selectively face a third permanent magnetic pole (8) present in said coupling element (5, 36) in order to subject the coupling element (5, 36) to a magnetic displacement force in an opposite direction between a coupling position and a decoupling position of the external handle of the lock.