Modular Electronic Lock Interchangeable Housing and Driver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locking systems for storage units and office furniture require costly tooling changes and complex installations to replace traditional mechanical locks, and are not easily adaptable to existing central locking systems, especially in lateral filing cabinets and pedestal drawers.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock with a modular design featuring a replaceable and interchangeable housing and driver system, compatible with various locking systems, utilizing a programmable keypad or RFID card reader for access control, and a manual override mechanism to ensure seamless integration with existing mechanical locks without the need for extensive modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art electronic locks with unique housings and latching mechanisms are used, then secure access control is achieved, but costly tooling changes and complex installations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock is divided into separate modular components including a housing assembly and a latching mechanism assembly that can be manufactured independently and assembled together, eliminating the need for complex tooling changes and reducing installation complexity while maintaining secure access control
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic lock housing is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different latching mechanisms and locking configurations, allowing the same housing to be used across various storage units and furniture types without requiring custom tooling or complex installations
2Reliability
If prior art electronic locks with unique housings are used, then access control functionality is provided, but adaptability to existing mechanical locking systems is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock incorporates an interchangeable driver system that can be dynamically configured to match different mechanical locking systems, allowing the same electronic housing to adapt to various latching mechanisms, tenons, cranks, and linkage bars through simple driver replacements rather than requiring custom adaptations
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable driver acts as an intermediary component between the electronic control system and the mechanical locking system, providing a universal interface that translates electronic commands into compatible mechanical actions for different locking configurations without requiring direct integration with each specific mechanical system
3Reliability
If standard mechanical locks are replaced with electronic locks, then access control is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock components are pre-assembled and pre-configured in modular units that can be directly installed into existing mechanical lock openings without requiring on-site manufacturing, tooling changes, or complex assembly procedures, significantly reducing installation time and cost while providing improved access control
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic lock is interchangeable with mechanical locks in retrofit applications or as an OEM lock. The lock includes interchangeable modular components. The lock housing is interchangeable with other housings of different configurations to permit replacement of existing mechanical locks. The lock may also include interchangeable drivers for compatibility with other systems. The lock includes an electronic access system such as a programmable keypad or card reader to activate a motor which powers the electronic lock. An optional manual bypass allows an operator to override the electronic access, for example when the motor is inoperative. When the lock is activated, the operator manually cranks a lock shaft to lock and unlock a storage unit. An optional modular chassis assembly includes a removable array of components for testing, maintenance and repair.