Modular Fenestration Lock Assembly Manual Driven Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fenestration lock assemblies are incompatible between manual and driven operation modes, requiring full replacement and often lacking manual operation options, with driven assemblies experiencing power loss issues that compromise security and increase user effort during manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular fenestration lock assembly design that allows for seamless transition between manual and driven operation modes without increasing user effort, featuring a drive shaft, lock follower, and drive gear configuration that enables manual operation without back-driving the drive system, and an optional driving unit that can be added or upgraded for powered operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a driven lock assembly is designed to offer both manual and powered operation, then the lock can be operated in multiple modes, but the user is required to back-drive components during manual operation which increases the force required
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into a motor assembly and a manual operation assembly that are mechanically decoupled. The motor assembly includes a motor, drive gear, and drive shaft, while the manual operation assembly includes a manual operator directly connected to the lock mechanism. This segmentation allows independent operation of motorized and manual systems without interference, eliminating the need to back-drive motor components during manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A decoupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the motor drive system and the lock mechanism. This intermediary allows the motor to drive the lock through the drive gear and drive shaft while simultaneously allowing direct manual operation of the lock mechanism without requiring the user to overcome motor resistance or back-drive the drive system.
2Extent of automation
If driven lock assemblies are designed with motor components, then powered operation is achieved, but replacement or retrofitting requires removal of the entire lock assembly or modifications to the fenestration unit
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is divided into modular components: a base assembly that remains permanently installed in the fenestration unit, and a removable motor assembly that can be easily attached to or detached from the base assembly. The motor assembly contains the motor, drive gear, and drive shaft, while the base assembly contains the lock mechanism and manual operator. This modular segmentation enables simple replacement or retrofitting of the motor assembly without removing the entire lock assembly or modifying the fenestration unit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base assembly is designed with universal mounting features and a standardized interface that can accommodate different motor assemblies. This universality allows the same base assembly to work with various motor configurations and enables easy retrofitting of different powered operation systems without custom modifications to the fenestration unit.
3Extent of automation
If driven lock assemblies use a drive gear and drive shaft configuration, then powered operation is enabled, but manual operation requires back-driving the drive system which increases perceived effort
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into a motor-driven portion (motor, drive gear, drive shaft) and a manual operation portion (manual operator, lock mechanism). The manual operator is directly connected to the lock mechanism without requiring rotation or movement of the drive gear or drive shaft. This segmentation eliminates the need for users to back-drive the drive system during manual operation, significantly reducing the perceived effort required for manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical decoupling mechanism acts as an intermediary that separates the motor drive path from the manual operation path. This intermediary allows the drive gear and drive shaft to rotate freely during manual operation without transmitting resistance to the user, effectively eliminating back-driving requirements while maintaining the powered operation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Fenestration lock assemblies, fenestration units including the lock assemblies, and methods of operating the lock assemblies. The lock assemblies offer a lock assembly construction that is capable of being assembled, installed, and used in a purely manual mode (i.e., in the absence of any driving unit such as, e.g., a motor, solenoid, etc.) or that may be assembled, installed, and used with a driving unit such that the lock assembly can be operated manually or in a driven mode, with the manual and driven modes of operation being unaffected by each other.