Motor-Cam Furniture Lock for Fast Core Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks with tumbler configurations require a large supply of spare parts and are labor-intensive to replace, necessitating time-consuming changes due to key loss or changes in furniture usage.
Innovation Solution
A lock system with a housing assembly, actuatable lock assembly, and latching assembly, utilizing a motor-driven cam and blocker mechanism for electronic locking and unlocking, allowing for efficient and tool-free battery replacement and adaptable to existing furniture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tumbler-based lock systems are used, then locking security is maintained, but the number of spare parts required and labor for replacement increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal lock core design with standardized tumblers that can be used across multiple lock assemblies. This allows a single core design to serve multiple functions and locations, reducing the variety of spare parts needed while maintaining security through the same tumbler mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system is divided into separable components: a reusable lock core with tumblers and a lock shell. The core can be independently removed and replaced without replacing the entire lock assembly, enabling efficient replacement of only the security-critical components while retaining the housing and other parts.
2Reliability
If multiple tumbler configurations are used to provide security variety, then locking security is enhanced, but device complexity and spare parts inventory increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single lock core design with standardized tumbler configurations is created that can be universally applied across different lock assemblies. This universal design provides security through the tumbler mechanism itself rather than through variety of configurations, reducing complexity while maintaining security effectiveness.
3Reliability
If traditional lock replacement procedures are used, then security is maintained, but time and labor required for replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system separates the security-critical core component from the housing and other parts. This segmentation allows the core to be independently removed and replaced without disassembling the entire lock assembly or removing the lock from the furniture, dramatically reducing replacement time while maintaining security through the intact tumbler mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock core is pre-configured with tumblers and cutting surfaces during manufacturing, so that when replacement is needed, the new core is already prepared and requires only simple insertion and engagement with the shell, eliminating the need for on-site configuration or adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient, tool-free battery replacement and reduces the need for spare parts, enabling quick and easy reconfiguration of locks without extensive labor, suitable for retrofitting existing furniture.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is coupled to the cam. Actuation of the motor causes rotation of the cam
Data Source
AI summary
A lock includes a housing assembly, an actuatable lock assembly and a latching assembly. The actuatable lock assembly is positionable in at least a closed orientation and an open orientation. The latching assembly further includes a latch, a cam and a motor. The latch, having a cam profile, is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the actuatable lock assembly is maintained in the closed orientation. In the unlocked position, the actuatable lock assembly is positionable into an open orientation. The cam is rotatably mounted and has a first follower configured to intermittently coact with the cam profile of the latch, to, in turn, move the latch between the locked position and the unlocked position. The motor is coupled to the cam. Actuation of the motor causes rotation of the cam, resulting in movement of the latch between the locked and unlocked positions.