Motor-Driven Lock Assembly with Lead Screw Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock assemblies for windows and other structures lack efficient and electronically controlled mechanisms for secure locking and unlocking, particularly in the context of electronic operation via mobile apps or similar devices.

Innovation Solution

A lock assembly comprising a driving member, a drive assembly, and an engaging member, where the drive assembly includes a motor, lead screw, and elongate member, allowing for electronic operation between locked and unlocked positions through a motor-driven mechanism, enabling secure engagement and disengagement via a mobile app or similar electronic device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional locking mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation is poor and electronic control is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical locking operations with an electronically controlled motor-driven lead screw mechanism. The motor assembly receives electronic signals to automatically drive the lead screw, which converts rotational motion into linear motion of the elongate member, achieving electronic control while maintaining mechanical reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The lead screw acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor's rotational output and the elongate member's linear motion. This intermediary converts the motor's rotary movement into the precise linear displacement needed for locking and unlocking operations, enabling electronic control with mechanical precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If a motor-driven lead screw mechanism is used, then electronic control is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextent of automationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the driving torque for the lead screw, enables bidirectional rotation for locking and unlocking, and can be controlled through various electronic interfaces including mobile apps. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where the motor assembly is housed within a motor housing, the lead screw is contained within the drive assembly, and the elongate member moves within a defined channel. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into compact configurations, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the lead screw operates without tension, then the mechanism is simpler, but the noise increases and more torque is required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring assembly applies preliminary tension to the lead screw before operation begins. This pre-tensioning ensures that the lead screw maintains contact with its supporting surfaces throughout operation, preventing slippage and reducing noise without requiring additional complex tensioning mechanisms during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution provides a secure, electronically controlled locking mechanism that can be operated via a mobile app, ensuring efficient and reliable locking and unlocking of windows and other structures, reducing noise and requiring less torque due to the lead screw's tension, while being adaptable to various support structures.

Implementation Method 1

a lead screw operatively connected to the drive connector, a carriage configured and arranged to move along the lead screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLead screw mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The motor gear assembly includes a worm, a worm gear, and a motor connector. The motor is configured and arranged to rotate the worm, the worm is configured and arranged to rotate the worm gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Data Source

PatentUS20230287707A1Lock assembly
Publication Date: 2023.09.14 QUB LLC
  • US20230287707A1 patent drawing
  • US20230287707A1 patent drawing
  • US20230287707A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A lock assembly comprises a driving member, a drive assembly, and an engaging member. The drive assembly comprises a drive connector operatively connected to the driving member, a lead screw operatively connected to the drive connector, a carriage configured and arranged to move along the lead screw, and an elongate member operatively connected to the carriage. The driving member is configured and arranged to rotate the drive connector, and the drive connector is configured and arranged to rotate the lead screw. Rotation of the lead screw moves the carriage along the lead screw and the elongate member moves with the carriage between locked and unlocked positions. The engaging member is configured and arranged to selectively engage the elongate member in the locked position.