Modular Electronic Deadbolt with Orthogonal Battery Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized deadbolts often face difficulties in replacing power sources, particularly batteries, especially when they are positioned in hard-to-reach areas like the door head or sill.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronic deadbolt design featuring a separable bolt module and battery module, allowing for orthogonal or parallel configurations to facilitate easy access and installation, with a connector cable for power and communication, enabling versatile mounting options and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motorized deadbolts are positioned in door head or sill, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in replacing power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The deadbolt system is divided into separate modules: a bolt module containing the motor and deadbolt mechanism, and a battery module containing the power source. These modules can be positioned at different locations on the door, allowing the battery module to be placed in an accessible location for easy maintenance while the bolt module remains in the optimal security position in the door head or sill.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector cable serves as an intermediary between the bolt module and battery module, transmitting power and control signals. This allows the modules to be separated spatially while maintaining functional connection, enabling the battery module to be positioned for easy access without compromising the security positioning of the bolt module.
2Ease of repair
If modular design with separable modules is implemented, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into functionally independent modules (bolt module and battery module) connected by a standardized connector cable. This segmentation enables easy maintenance and replacement of individual modules without affecting the other, improving ease of repair while the standardized connection interface minimizes the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt module is designed to be compatible with different battery modules through standardized connectors, and the system can operate in multiple configurations (orthogonal and parallel arrangements). This universality allows the same basic design to serve multiple installation scenarios, reducing overall system complexity despite the modular architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If orthogonal configuration is used, then adaptability to various door configurations is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration between orthogonal and parallel arrangements of the bolt module and battery module. This flexibility enables adaptation to various door configurations and installation scenarios without requiring precise pre-determined positioning, as the modules can be adjusted during installation to match the specific application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthogonal configuration option provides asymmetric mounting arrangements that can accommodate non-standard door configurations and spatial constraints. This asymmetric flexibility allows the system to adapt to diverse installation environments, with the extension on the battery module enabling offset positioning that reduces stringent alignment requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular electronic deadbolt includes a bolt module having a first housing defining a first longitudinal axis, a motor disposed in the first housing, and a deadbolt configured to be linearly moveable in relation to the first housing along the first longitudinal axis by the motor. The modular electronic deadbolt also includes a battery module configured to be operatively coupled to the bolt module. The battery module includes a second housing configured to receive a power source, and a face plate coupled to the second housing. The faceplate defines a second longitudinal axis and includes an extension that extends along the second longitudinal axis. The extension is configured to removably couple the bolt module to the battery module such that the first longitudinal axis is substantially orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis.