Motored Locking Mechanism with Single Motor and Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motored locking mechanisms have issues with large volume, low control accuracy, synchronized output on multiple planes leading to interference, and instability due to external factors, requiring multiple motors and complex structures.
Innovation Solution
A motored locking mechanism with a single motor driving two mirror-symmetric transmission mechanisms, utilizing contrate gears and an overrunning clutch to achieve independent and precise control of both sides, reducing volume and enhancing reliability by ensuring unidirectional rotation and minimizing external interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple motors are used to drive both sides of the lock, then the locking function is reliable, but the volume of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two motor functions into a single motor by using a differential mechanism. The single motor drives both the left and right locking sides through the differential, which distributes the rotational force to two output shafts. This merging approach maintains the reliability of dual-side locking while significantly reducing the overall volume compared to using two separate motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor in the patent performs multiple functions by driving both locking sides simultaneously. The differential mechanism enables one motor to provide independent rotational output to two different locking mechanisms, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple motors, thus reducing volume while maintaining operational reliability.
2Device complexity
If the motor rotates positively and negatively to control both sides, then the control mechanism is simple, but the control accuracy decreases and lock reliability becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The differential mechanism acts as an intermediary between the single motor and the two locking sides. It converts the single motor's rotation into two independent rotational outputs, each driving a locking side with precise control. This intermediary mechanism resolves the conflict between simple control and high accuracy by providing a mechanical interface that enables independent control of both sides from one motor.
3Volume of moving object
If a single motor drives both transmission mechanisms, then the volume is reduced, but the outputs on two planes may interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The differential mechanism segments the motor's rotational output into two independent pathways. Each output shaft of the differential independently drives one locking side, ensuring that the rotational movements on two planes do not interfere with each other. This segmentation maintains output independence while using a single motor, thus reducing volume without compromising reliability.
4Power
If the motor is rotated under counter-reaction of the mechanism, then the locking action is achieved, but the control stability decreases due to external factors
Solution Approach 1:
The differential mechanism provides inherent feedback stability by mechanically distributing the motor's power to two locking sides. The mechanical structure of the differential ensures that counter-reactions from either locking side are balanced and absorbed, maintaining control stability. This feedback mechanism prevents external factors from causing motor rotation, ensuring stable and reliable locking control.
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 allows for efficient, precise control of both sides of a lock with a single motor, reducing volume and improving stability and accuracy, while preventing counter-directional influences from external factors, resulting in a more reliable locking system.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, two groups of transmission mechanisms that are arranged mirror symmetrically and two output components that are arranged mirror symmetrically
Implementation Method 2
both input gears are designed as contrate gears... one driving gear is engaged with both input gears... the input gear drives the middle gear to rotate and the middle gear is engaged with the output gear
Implementation Method 3
an overrunning clutch is fixedly attached to the rotatable shaft... the first middle gear is attached to the overrunning clutch... Any direction other than the normal rotating direction is a reverse rotating direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a motored locking mechanism, comprising a motor (29), two groups of transmission mechanisms that are arranged mirror symmetrically and two output components that are arranged mirror symmetrically, wherein the transmission mechanisms transfer power of the motor (29) to the output components, wherein the motor (29) is provided at an output end with a driving gear (28), wherein the driving gear (28) is attached to an output shaft of the motor (29), wherein the two groups of transmission mechanisms further comprise each an input gear (26), wherein both input gears (26) are designed as contrate gears, and wherein rotational shafts of both input gears (26) are parallel to each other, wherein one driving gear (28) is engaged with both input gears (26). The transmission mechanisms on two mirror sides are controlled by a common motor so the volume is smaller with a simpler structure. Regarding both sides of the lock, the transmission mechanism of one side is driven wherein the other side not. Thus, two unrelated systems are driven by a single motor.