Manual Electronic Deadbolt Spring Coupling Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic deadbolts struggle to fully extend into a warped door condition, and excessive force applied by the motor can shorten battery life.

Innovation Solution

An electronically-controlled, manually-actuated deadbolt lock with an internal spring-actuated coupling mechanism that allows manual rotation of a bezel to drive the deadbolt latch, eliminating the need for additional motor energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic motor applies additional force to overcome the warped door condition, then the deadbolt can be locked or unlocked, but the battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeadbolt operation reliabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using the motor to directly drive the deadbolt, the system inverts the approach by using a spring mechanism that stores mechanical energy and releases it to drive the deadbolt manually when the bezel is rotated. This eliminates the need for the motor to apply continuous force, thereby preserving battery life while maintaining reliable operation on warped doors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring is pre-compressed and stores mechanical energy in advance. When authentication occurs, the coupling mechanism engages the pre-loaded spring, which then automatically provides the force needed to overcome the warped door condition without requiring additional motor energy during the actual deadbolt movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the electronic motor is used to retract or extend the deadbolt, then the door can be locked or unlocked, but the motor cannot overcome the warped door condition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeadbolt extension capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to warped door condition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces motor-driven deadbolt movement with a manually-actuated spring mechanism. The spring stores mechanical energy and provides the force necessary to overcome warped door conditions, while the motor's role is reduced to only engaging or disengaging the spring mechanism through authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism is self-actuating once engaged. When the coupling mechanism connects the spring to the deadbolt assembly, the spring automatically releases its stored energy to drive the deadbolt into or out of the locked position, adapting to warped door conditions without requiring continuous motor intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If a motor-driven mechanism is used, then automated locking is achieved, but the system cannot handle warped door conditions and consumes more energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated lockingVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system inverts the traditional automated locking approach by using authentication to engage a manually-actuated spring mechanism rather than using the motor to directly drive the deadbolt. This reduces electrical energy consumption to only the authentication and engagement phases, while the actual locking/unlocking uses stored mechanical energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical system with a spring-based mechanical system for the actual deadbolt movement. The motor is replaced by a spring mechanism that converts stored elastic potential energy into mechanical work to move the deadbolt, eliminating continuous electrical energy consumption during operation.

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

This solution enables the lock to overcome warped door conditions without using additional electrical energy, thereby extending battery life and ensuring reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator spring engageable by the flange, wherein the actuator spring is decompressed when the flange is in the first position and compressed when the flange is biased toward the second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a transmission spring positioned to bias the flange from the first position to the second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12322231B2Manual electronic deadbolt

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 ASSA ABLOY AMERICAS RESIDENTIAL INC

AI summary

An electronically-controlled manually-actuated deadbolt lock is provided. The electronically-controlled manually-actuated deadbolt lock includes an internal spring-actuated coupling mechanism that, when a user is authenticated, the coupling mechanism is placed in an engaged position that allows a deadbolt latch to be moved into a locked or unlocked position responsive to a manual rotation of an external bezel. Because the deadbolt latch is manually driven, a warped door condition can be overcome. Additionally, because the deadbolt latch is manually actuated, operation of the electronic motor may be decreased, which may increase battery life.