Mechanical Locking Element with Strike Member Actuation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices face difficulties in unlocking due to increased frictional forces, often requiring oversized electric motors, which lead to power supply and space issues, and can become stuck during emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical lock state control mechanism using a strike member and lever system, eliminating the need for electric motors by automatically moving the locking element into an engaging position upon striking the striking arrangement, and incorporating a spring for reduced friction and easier operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If an oversized electric motor is provided to overcome increased friction, then the locking element can be moved, but power supply complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce to move locking elementVSAvoidpower supply and connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electric motor system with a purely mechanical actuation system. The strike member, when actuated by the closing element's motion, mechanically drives the locking element through a linkage mechanism, eliminating the need for electric motors, power supplies, and electronic control systems while maintaining the capability to overcome friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device uses the closing element's own motion to automatically actuate the strike member and move the locking element into engagement. The system is self-actuating, requiring no external power source or additional actuation mechanism beyond the natural closing motion of the door or closing element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Force

If an oversized electric motor is provided to overcome increased friction, then the locking element can be moved, but the available space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce to move locking elementVSAvoidspace required for locking device

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electric motor system with a purely mechanical actuation system. The strike member, when actuated by the closing element's motion, mechanically drives the locking element through a linkage mechanism, eliminating the need for electric motors, power supplies, and electronic control systems while maintaining the capability to overcome friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device uses the closing element's own motion to automatically actuate the strike member and move the locking element into engagement. The system is self-actuating, requiring no external power source or additional actuation mechanism beyond the natural closing motion of the door or closing element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If a mechanical lock state control mechanism is used, then manufacturing is simplified and electric faults are reduced, but the locking operation must be faster and more efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidlocking operation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The strike member is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage the locking element as soon as the closing element reaches the closed position. This preliminary positioning and pre-loaded state ensures that the locking action occurs instantly and automatically, achieving fast locking operation without complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism uses dynamic spring-loaded components that automatically adjust and engage based on the closing element's motion. The spring mechanism provides rapid, automatic actuation of the locking element, achieving fast and efficient locking operation through dynamic mechanical response rather than sequential control steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Simplifies manufacturing, reduces the risk of electric faults, and provides a safer, more secure, and efficient locking mechanism that can handle increased friction and emergency situations without the need for electric power.

Implementation Method 1

a spring arranged to press the strike member towards a protruding position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

frictional forces blocks the locking element from moving

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9410350B2Locking device with striking arrangement and automatic locking

Publication Date: 2016.08.09 STENDALS ELEKTRISKA AB

AI summary

The present invention relates to a locking device suitable for allowing or restricting access into an area or space, the locking device (1) comprising at least one locking element (9) arranged to, in a first locking state, engage a striking arrangement (11), such as a strike plate, for holding a closing element (3), such as a door, locked, and, in a second, non-locking state, to allow movement of the closing element.