Motorized Door Lock One-Handed Operation via Handle Sensor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrically operable handle locks require a two-handed movement to open the door even after an access control signal is triggered, making access inconvenient and not barrier-free, especially for authorized individuals.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an external sensor and drive motor that moves the lock bolt to the open position upon detection of handle actuation after receiving an access authorization, allowing one-handed operation and eliminating the need for re-grasping the handle, along with a motorized mechanism to automatically open the lock upon correct access verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional electrically operable handle lock is used with panic function B, then the lock provides secure locking and panic opening capability, but it requires a two-handed movement to open the door when the handle is pressed before the electrical opening impulse occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of door opening operationVSAvoidcomplexity of handle operation sequence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical handle lock system with an electronically controlled motorized lock system. The control device receives opening impulses and actuates the lock via a motor, eliminating the need for mechanical handle operations and follower coupling mechanisms. This substitution allows the lock to be opened electronically without requiring the user to perform two-handed mechanical operations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a state machine in the control device that anticipates and prepares for handle press events before the actual opening impulse occurs. When the handle is pressed before the opening impulse, the system stores this state information and automatically completes the opening sequence once the opening impulse is received, eliminating the need for users to release and re-grasp the handle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the lock requires two-handed movement for opening, then security against unauthorized access is maintained, but accessibility and convenience for authorized users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for authorized usersVSAvoidsecurity against manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical two-handed operation requirement with an electronic control system that uses a state machine to manage opening sequences. The control device monitors handle press events and automatically manages the lock state transitions, providing convenient one-handed operation for authorized users while maintaining security through controlled electronic access protocols.

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

3Ease of operation

If the handle is pressed before the electrical opening impulse is triggered, then the door remains locked for security, but user convenience deteriorates as the user must perform additional handle movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of door openingVSAvoidtime required for door opening operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device implements a state machine that captures and stores the handle press state before the opening impulse occurs. When the opening impulse is received, the system automatically completes the opening sequence without requiring users to release and re-grasp the handle, thereby eliminating wasted time and improving operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the handle sensor to detect handle press events and provides feedback to the control device. This feedback mechanism allows the control device to adjust its behavior based on the actual user interaction, automatically managing the lock state transitions to eliminate unnecessary operations and reduce the time required for door opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3045623B1Safety device for a door
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 ASSA ABLOY (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3045623B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3045623B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3045623B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a security device (9) for securing a door (91) or window in a building, comprising a motor-operated lock (8) and a device for entering access authorization (93), wherein the lock (8) includes a split lock cylinder (2) with a coupling external handle (94). To enable easy and convenient access through the door (91) or window when the external handle (94) is disconnected, a handle sensor (5) interacts with the lock cylinder (2), and after the correct access authorization has been entered, the lock (8) is first moved by motor into a daytime position, and then a second impulse is generated via the external handle (94) or the handle sensor (5) to move the lock (8) into the open position.