Offset Control Button Lock Actuation for Finger-Trap Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical lock actuating devices are unsightly, pose ergonomic issues, and have a high risk of finger trapping, while current solutions do not adequately address aesthetics and user safety.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical lock actuating device with a rotary coupling mechanism, an actuator, a disengageable clutch mechanism, and a rotary operating button, where the coupling mechanism and operating button rotate around distinct axes forming an angle of 0-90 degrees, incorporating a transmission mechanism and a mechanical torque limiting mechanism to ensure safety and ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the operating button is positioned close to the lock handle for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but the risk of finger trapping increases and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the operating button offset from the lock handle axis, creating a spatial separation in a different dimensional plane. This offset positioning allows the button to be outside the hand's closing trajectory while maintaining compact overall device dimensions, thus reducing finger trapping risk without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Device complexity
If the coupling mechanism and operating button share the same rotation axis for simplified structure, then device complexity is reduced, but aesthetics deteriorate and ergonomic issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an offset axis configuration where the operating button rotates around an axis distinct from and offset from the lock handle axis. This creates a more distributed and aesthetically pleasing component arrangement while maintaining functional effectiveness and avoiding the negative aspects of collinear positioning.
3Ease of operation
If the operating button is positioned within the hand's trajectory for direct access, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of finger trapping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the operating button in an intermediate location that is accessible to the user but outside the critical danger zone of the hand's closing trajectory. The offset positioning serves as a mediator that balances accessibility with safety, allowing operation without direct interference with the pinching action between handle and palm.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the button offset from the handle axis, the patent creates access through a different spatial dimension - the button becomes accessible laterally or from the side rather than directly in the line of the handle, maintaining ease of operation while avoiding the pinching trajectory.
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 device improves aesthetics, enhances user safety by preventing finger trapping, and provides ergonomic design by positioning the operating button outside the hand's trajectory, while maintaining reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator comprising an electric motor, adapted to electrically drive the rotor of the lock cylinder in rotation
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical torque limiting mechanism placed between the transmission mechanism and the operating button, varying between a deactivated configuration in which the operating button is rotationally coupled with the transmission mechanism and an activated configuration in which the operating button and the transmission mechanism are rotationally disengaged
Data Source
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AI summary
An electromechanical lock actuation device (10) comprises a rotary coupling mechanism (11) that can be rotationally fixed to a rotor of a lock cylinder (101) of the lock (100), an actuator for electrically rotating the rotor of the lock cylinder (101), a disengageable clutch mechanism interposed between the coupling mechanism (11) and the actuator and varying between a disengaged configuration and at least one engaged configuration, and a rotary operating button (15) adapted for manual grip and allowing manual rotation of the rotor of the lock cylinder (101). The coupling mechanism (11) and the operating button (15) are mounted for rotation respectively about a first and a second distinct, non-coincident axis of rotation oriented respectively along first and second principal directions (D1, D2) forming an angle between them between 0° and 90°.A transmission mechanism (17) transforms a rotational movement of the operating button (15) into a rotational movement of the coupling mechanism (11) and is interposed between the coupling mechanism (11) and the operating button (15). A mechanical torque limiting mechanism (20) is placed between the transmission mechanism (17) and the operating button (15).