Modular Door Locking System with Sliding Tray Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic key activated locking systems require frequent maintenance, leading to increased costs and operational challenges due to battery replacement and other component maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

The locking system is designed with a modular structure featuring two separate packs housed in a mortise within the door, allowing for easy access and maintenance through a sliding tray that exposes the batteries and electronic components, facilitating battery replacement and other maintenance operations without damaging the door.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If a traditional locking system with integrated batteries and electronic components is used, then the locking system can perform authentication and actuation functions, but maintenance operations become complex and costly requiring door damage or disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidlocking system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into two separate packs: a first pack containing the lock actuator and mechanical components, and a second pack containing the controller and electronic components including batteries. This segmentation allows the second pack to be removed and replaced independently through a access hole without affecting the first pack, enabling easy maintenance while keeping the overall system functional.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second pack containing the controller and batteries is extracted as a separate removable unit from the door assembly. A access hole is provided in the door that allows direct access to remove and replace this second pack without damaging the door or requiring disassembly of other components, thereby simplifying maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If batteries are integrated into the locking system controller pack, then the system can operate autonomously, but periodic battery replacement becomes a maintenance burden

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidmaintenance simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the power supply (batteries in the second pack) from the mechanical locking components (first pack). This allows the battery-containing second pack to be independently removed and replaced through the access hole without affecting the mechanical components, making maintenance simple while ensuring continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second pack is designed with a tray that can be slid out to expose the batteries before removal. This preliminary action of sliding the tray allows for easy visual inspection and access to batteries, enabling quick replacement operations without complex disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If electronic components are housed in a fixed mounting structure, then the locking system maintains structural integrity, but maintenance requires door disassembly or damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor structural integrityVSAvoidcomponent accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic components are housed in a separate second pack that is mounted independently within the door. This pack can be removed through an access hole without compromising the overall door structure or requiring disassembly of the main door assembly, thus maintaining structural integrity while enabling easy maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second pack containing electronic components is extracted as a removable unit accessible through a hole in the door. This allows maintenance personnel to remove and replace the entire second pack without damaging the door or requiring complex disassembly, preserving door integrity while simplifying repair operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3504388B1Locking system for a door
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 DORMAKABA USA INC
  • EP3504388B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3504388B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3504388B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The locking system is provided for controlling the unlocking of a door by an electronic key. The locking system has a first pack configured to be received within a first recessed area of the door, the first pack having an actuator configured and adapted to move a bolt slidingly housed in the lock pack; a second pack configured to be received within a second recessed area of the door; a reader interface adapted to receive an input from the electronic key and a controller adapted to receive the input from the reader interface, authenticate the input, and control the actuator based on the authentication.