Magnetic Release Mechanism for Energy Harvesting Locks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art energy harvesting arrangements for electronic locking systems are complex, noisy, and cause wear and tear, requiring high extra force for release, with inconsistent energy levels and a complex design that affects user experience.

Innovation Solution

A position-controlled release mechanism using a drive device with a planar surface, a harvesting elastic element, and magnets, where the input device engages the drive device via magnetic force, allowing for relative inclination and reducing the extra force required for release, thus enhancing efficiency and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a traditional force threshold release mechanism is used, then the release can be achieved, but a relatively high extra force is required and the handle movement feels odd and low quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextra force for releaseVSAvoidhandle movement quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical force threshold release mechanism with a magnetic field-based release mechanism. The magnetic field interacts with a magnetic element in the handle to control the release, eliminating the need for high mechanical force and improving handle movement quality. This substitution of mechanical system with magnetic field system directly addresses the contradiction by reducing required force while maintaining operational smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the release control parameter from mechanical force threshold to magnetic field strength. By controlling the magnetic field parameters (strength, distribution, and interaction with magnetic elements), the release mechanism achieves smooth handle movement without requiring high extra force. This parameter change allows for precise control of the release point and force requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If complex energy harvesting arrangements are used, then energy can be harvested, but the system becomes noisy and causes wear and tear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy harvesting capabilityVSAvoidnoise and wear
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical energy harvesting components (such as springs, levers, and contact-based generators) with a magnetic field-based energy harvesting system. The magnetic field interacts with magnetic elements during handle movement to generate electrical energy, eliminating mechanical contact and wear. This substitution directly reduces noise and wear while maintaining energy harvesting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the handle movement and energy generation. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the magnetic field serves as a mediator that converts mechanical motion into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. This intermediary approach eliminates harmful mechanical interactions while preserving the energy harvesting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If traditional release mechanisms are used, then the system can operate, but friction losses are high and efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidfriction losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical friction-based energy transmission with a magnetic field-based electromagnetic induction system. The magnetic field interacts with magnetic elements to generate electricity without mechanical contact, eliminating friction losses. This substitution directly improves energy harvesting efficiency by removing the primary source of energy loss in traditional mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 mechanism reduces wear and tear, improves user experience by requiring less extra force and being silent, and provides consistent energy harvesting with intrinsic damage protection, ensuring reliable operation over time.

Implementation Method 1

the input device is arranged to engage the drive device by means of a magnetic force, generated by the magnet and acting between the drive device surface and the input device surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a harvesting elastic element arranged to force the drive device towards a starting position, and arranged to store mechanical energy from displacement of the drive device from the starting position along a harvesting path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy storage: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

an electromagnetic generator drivable by the drive device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11939794B2Release mechanism, energy harvesting arrangement and electronic locking system
Publication Date: 2024.03.26 ASSA ABLOY AB
  • US11939794B2 patent drawing
  • US11939794B2 patent drawing
  • US11939794B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Release mechanism (12) for an energy harvesting arrangement (10) for an electronic locking system (78), the release mechanism (12) comprising a drive device (18); a harvesting elastic element (30); at least one magnet (36); an input device (38); and an engaging profile (52); wherein the input device (38) is arranged to engage the drive device (18) by means of a magnetic force such that the drive device (18) can be displaced from a starting position (32) by movement of the input device (38) along a harvesting path (58); and wherein the engaging profile (52) is arranged to engage the drive device (18) at an engaging position (60) of the drive device (18), such that further movement of the input device (38) along the harvesting path (58) causes a relative inclination between a drive device surface (26) and a input device surface (42). An energy harvesting arrangement (10) and an electronic locking system (78) are also provided.