Motorized Door Lock Assembly with Clutch and Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock systems with Euro cylinder locks face challenges in providing reliable motorized operation due to the need for 360-degree key rotation and complex positional feedback, which can lead to motor overextension or jamming, and require additional components for integration with multipoint locking systems.
Innovation Solution
A motorized door lock assembly that includes a worm gear, driven gear, and rotary locking spindle engagement means, along with a multipoint monitoring system and rotary lock bolt monitoring system, allowing for remote activation and ensuring proper engagement and disengagement of the lock bolt with the multipoint locking mechanism, using a clutch mechanism to prevent jamming and allow manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motorised locking mechanism is integrated with a Euro cylinder lock requiring 360-degree rotation, then remote operation capability is enabled, but the risk of motor overextension or jamming increases due to complex positional feedback requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect the position of the rotary locking spindle and lock bolt, allowing the control system to monitor the locking state and prevent motor overextension by stopping the motor when the lock reaches the locked or unlocked position
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by checking the current locking state through sensor feedback before activating the motor, ensuring the motor only operates when necessary and preventing attempts to extend or retract the lock bolt when already in the desired position
2Ease of operation
If the rotary locking spindle is continuously rotatable for Euro cylinder locks, then key insertability and retractability at a single position is achieved, but simple positional sensors cannot indicate whether the lock bolt is extended or retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sensors positioned to detect specific angular positions of the continuously rotatable spindle, providing feedback that indicates whether the lock bolt is in the extended or retracted state despite the 360-degree rotation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a dimensional aspect to position detection by using angular position sensing on the continuously rotatable spindle, transforming the single-position detection problem into a multi-position angular detection solution that can distinguish between locked and unlocked states
3Ease of operation
If the motor is engaged with the rotary locking spindle directly, then manual operation through key or thumb turn is enabled, but the motor may become damaged or jammed when attempting to drive the lock in a position already manually occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the position of the lock bolt and rotary locking spindle through sensors, providing feedback that prevents the motor from attempting to drive the lock to a position already occupied by manual operation, thereby avoiding motor damage or jamming
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary position checks before motor activation, ensuring the motor only operates when the lock is not already in the desired position, preventing conflicting operations that could damage the motor
4Adaptability or versatility
If a clutch system is used to decouple manual rotation from motor rotation, then independent operation of key/thumb turn and motor is enabled, but additional control and feedback systems are required to determine lock bolt position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect the position of the rotary locking spindle and lock bolt, allowing the control system to monitor the locking state and manage the clutch mechanism accordingly
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism serves as an intermediary between the manual rotary locking spindle and the motor, allowing independent operation of both systems while the control system uses sensor feedback to coordinate their actions and prevent conflicts
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
Enables reliable remote operation and manual override of the door lock, preventing overextension and jamming, while maintaining compatibility with existing Euro cylinder locks and multipoint systems, ensuring secure and efficient locking and unlocking.
Implementation Method 1
a worm gear, a driven gear
Implementation Method 2
a worm gear, a driven gear, and rotary locking spindle engagement means
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a motorised door lock assembly (10) in order for a user to be able to lock and unlock a door remotely and/or with a conventional key or with a thumb turn (22) from the inside. In particular, a user may decide to continue to use a key from the outside and the thumb turn (or an internal key mechanism) from the inside but at any stage the user (or a different user) may decide to operate the lock remotely. The motorised system may be activated by a number of actuators and, in particular, the motorised system may be activated by a remote key fob, a smart phone, an internally mounted push button or an external key pad. The assembly of the present invention is able to provide a continuous choice of all three methods (where permitted) without the risk of the lock becoming stuck in one position and without the user having to perform an elaborate particular sequence to operate the lock. The present invention is particularly for use with a Euro cylinder lock combined with a multipoint locking system 14 which thereby has operating limitations. The remotely activated motorised mechanism comprises a motor (50), a worm gear (52), a driven gear (54), rotary locking spindle engagement means (30) to transmit movement of the motor (50) to a rotary locking spindle of the cylinder lock, and a remote control actuator, the remotely activated motorised mechanism further comprising a multipoint monitoring system to determine an operational status of the multipoint locking mechanism and a rotary lock bolt monitoring system to determine an operational status of the lock bolt; and wherein the rotary locking spindle engagement means is arranged to directly engage a component of a thumb turn mechanism of a door lock.