Multi-Stable Lock Cylinder Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic lock systems require significant hardware replacement and are often inefficient in terms of energy consumption, leading to high costs and aesthetic concerns when retrofitting or installing new locking systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact, multi-stable electronic lock mechanism that integrates with conventional locking systems, utilizing a single locking pin and energy-efficient design, allowing for wireless authentication and actuation between locked and unlocked states without continuous power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electronic locks are installed at existing doors or barriers, then access control functionality is improved, but hardware replacement costs and aesthetic compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock cylinder is designed with a universal interface that can be integrated into various existing locking systems including deadbolts, lever locks, and padlocks. The plug assembly can actuate different types of locking mechanisms through standardized mechanical interfaces, allowing a single electronic lock design to replace multiple different lock types without requiring custom hardware for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic lock cylinder is designed as a compact plug assembly that nests within the housing of existing locking systems. The plug assembly fits inside the cylindrical housing space of conventional locks, with the locking pin and cam mechanism nested within the plug body. This nested structure allows the electronic lock to occupy minimal space while maintaining full functionality.
2Extent of automation
If electronic locks are installed at existing doors or barriers, then access control functionality is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock cylinder maintains the traditional cylindrical shape and external dimensions of conventional lock cylinders, allowing it to fit within existing keyways and door preparations. The plug assembly rotates within the housing just like mechanical locks, preserving the familiar aesthetic of traditional locking systems while providing electronic access control functionality.
3Extent of automation
If conventional electronic lock systems are used, then access control is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock system uses periodic action by only activating the motor and electromagnetic components during the brief moments when authentication occurs and state transitions are required. The multi-stable mechanism maintains locked or unlocked states without continuous power, and the system enters low-power modes between authentication events, significantly reducing average power consumption compared to systems that require continuous actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-stable mechanism provides self-service by maintaining its state (locked or unlocked) without requiring continuous energy input. Once the motor actuates the plug assembly to transition between states, the mechanism holds the position mechanically through its multi-stable design, eliminating the need for continuous electromagnetic fields or powered actuators to maintain the locking state.
4Extent of automation
If conventional electronic lock systems are used, then access control is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock cylinder is designed as a compact plug assembly that nests within the housing of existing locking systems. The plug assembly fits inside the cylindrical housing space of conventional locks, with the locking pin and cam mechanism nested within the plug body. This nested structure allows the electronic lock to occupy minimal space while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic lock combines multiple functions into the compact plug assembly: the authentication interface, motor actuator, multi-stable mechanism, and locking pin are all integrated within the cylindrical housing space of a conventional lock cylinder. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate electronic housings and mounting structures, reducing overall device volume.
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 cost-effective, energy-efficient, and aesthetically compatible locking solutions for both retrofit and new installations, reducing maintenance and operational costs while ensuring secure access control.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-stable mechanism that requires energy to change from one stable configuration to another, but that does not require energy to maintain a stable configuration
Implementation Method 2
an actuation driver to rotate a multi-stable mechanism between stable configurations
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include a lock cylinder comprising: a plug assembly having a front portion and a back portion; a housing shell within which the plug assembly is rotatably disposed, wherein the housing shell includes a notch; wherein the back portion of the plug assembly comprises: a locking pin that is movably disposed, and wherein the locking pin is configured to prevent a rotation of the plug assembly when the locking pin is engaged in the notch and prevented from retracting by a multi-stable mechanism; and the multi-stable mechanism having at least two stable configurations corresponding to respectively to a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the multi-stable mechanism can maintain the stable configurations without consuming energy; wherein, at a first stable configuration, the multi-stable mechanism prevents the locking pin from retracting, and, at a second stable configuration, the multi-stable mechanism enables the locking pin to retract.