Motorized Locking Device with Compressible Coupling for Emergency Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for doors and windows face issues with reliable release during power outages or motor drive unit failures, leading to the locking elements becoming stuck and preventing opening, often requiring high actuation forces or causing damage to the frame.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a drive rod system featuring a compressible coupling element, such as a fluid damper, allows for easy unlocking by applying a force exceeding a threshold, ensuring the door or window can be opened even when the motor drive unit is inoperative, and preventing frame damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motorized drive unit is used to drive the drive rod in the closing direction, then the locking elements can be automatically moved into the locking position, but the locking device cannot be released when the motor drive unit fails or during a power outage
Solution Approach 1:
The drive rod system is segmented into a first drive rod and a second drive rod that can move independently. The first drive rod is coupled to the motorized drive unit for automatic locking, while the second drive rod can be manually actuated through the coupling element for emergency release, allowing the system to maintain both automation and manual override capability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first drive rod and the second drive rod. It allows force transmission from manual actuation on the second drive rod to the first drive rod, enabling release of the locking elements when the motorized drive unit fails, while maintaining normal automatic locking operation when the motor is functional
2Reliability
If a tension spring is used to couple two drive rods, then the door can be opened during motor failure by applying force to overcome spring force, but the required actuating force may be so high that profile cylinder actuation is no longer possible
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed to be dynamically responsive to applied force. When a threshold force is applied to the second drive rod, the coupling element activates and allows relative movement between the drive rods. This dynamic activation ensures that normal operation requires minimal force while emergency release becomes possible when the motor fails, avoiding the excessive force problem of spring-based systems
3Stability of the object's composition
If the drive rod is rigidly coupled to the further drive rod, then the locking elements move together reliably, but the drive rod cannot be displaced independently to release locking elements when the motor unit is inoperative
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element provides a dynamic connection between the first drive rod and the second drive rod. During normal operation, the coupling element maintains rigid coupling to ensure synchronized movement of locking elements. During emergency release, when force is applied to the second drive rod, the coupling element allows independent displacement of the first drive rod, enabling selective release of locking elements
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element changes its mechanical state based on applied force. Under normal operating conditions, it maintains a rigid connection state for synchronized locking. When emergency release is needed and force exceeds a threshold, the coupling element transitions to a compliant state, allowing independent movement of the drive rods and enabling release of the locking elements
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 and secure opening of doors or windows during power failures with minimal force, maintaining security and preventing frame damage by allowing independent movement of the drive rods when the motor unit is malfunctioning.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling element can be moved or compressed from an extended position (uncompressed state) into a retracted position (compressed state)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (10) with a main lock (16), an additional lock (18), a drive rod (20), a further drive rod (44), locking elements (22), a motor drive unit (34) and with a compressible coupling element (48).The further drive rod (44) is arranged adjacent to the drive rod (20) and is coupled to the drive rod (20) via the coupling element (48) which is compressible along a drive rod longitudinal direction (12), wherein the coupling element (48) bears against the drive rod (20) at one end along the drive rod longitudinal direction (12) and bears against the further drive rod (44) at the other end, wherein the coupling element (48) can be compressed into a retracted position when a force is applied to the drive rod (20) opposite to the closing direction (SR) when the further drive rod (44) bears against the drive tappet (42) and the force exceeds a force threshold value, so that the drive rod (20) can be displaced relative to the further drive rod (44) in an opening direction (ÖR) opposite to the closing direction (SR), whereby the locking elements (22) can be brought into the unlocking position.