Modular Door Lock Actuator With Pluggable Transmission Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock actuation devices face issues with manufacturing tolerance and mechanical failure, particularly with rigid rod transmission elements, which can deform under increased forces, leading to operational failures and high repair costs.
Innovation Solution
An actuation device with a modular design that allows connection to either a traction cable or a rigid rod, featuring a pluggable interface with a deformable enclosure for cable ends and a locking clip for rod ends, along with a coupling mechanism that converts rotational movement into linear motion, reducing bulk and part count, and accommodating different kinematics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid rod transmission element is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to deformation under increased forces
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid rod is segmented into multiple sections that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the transmission element to flex and absorb excessive forces while maintaining structural integrity and preventing permanent deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission element's rigidity parameter is made variable through articulation joints, allowing it to be rigid under normal operating conditions but flexible when subjected to abnormal forces, thus preventing deformation while maintaining strength
2Manufacturing precision
If a traction cable transmission element is used, then the manufacturing tolerance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device incorporates a universal interface that can accommodate both rigid rod and flexible cable transmission elements, allowing the same device structure to work with different transmission types without requiring separate designs for each
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes dynamic elements such as articulation joints and flexible connections that can adapt to the specific characteristics of either rigid or flexible transmission elements, providing optimal performance for both types while maintaining a unified design
3Ease of manufacture
If the handle and lock arrangement is constrained by exterior handle above lock, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to rod compression and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the handle positioned above the lock which creates compressive forces on the rod, the transmission element is designed with articulation capabilities that allow it to handle compressive loads by flexing and redirecting forces, effectively inverting the problem approach from positional constraint to mechanical adaptation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuation device (1) for a lock, comprising a lever (2) adapted to be connected to a manipulator (10) movable between a rest position and a tilting position, in particular rotating about an axis of rotation (A), the device comprising a connection interface (3) to a transmission element (4) and to the lever (2). The device includes a guide (5) oriented along a sliding axis (C) perpendicular to the axis along which a movable slider (3) is adapted to move linearly between inactive and active positions corresponding respectively to the rest (PF) and tilting (PO) positions of the manipulator (10). The slider (3) comprises at least one pluggable connection (31, 33) for connection with the transmission element (4).