Key Actuating Device With Optical Position Coding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key-operating devices for locks are inconvenient and energy-inefficient due to the need for manual reference runs to determine the rotational position of the engagement element, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and prolonged operation times.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of position coding elements and sensors to detect rotational position, allowing the control device to determine the position accurately and efficiently, with the option to enter a low-energy idle state when not in use, or remain permanently active for continuous monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual reference runs are performed to determine rotational position, then the control device can accurately control the electromechanical drive, but the operation becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reference run system with an optical detection system. Position coding elements (optical markers) on the engagement element are detected by optical sensors to directly determine rotational position without mechanical reference runs. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual reference procedure while maintaining accurate position measurement.
2Measurement precision
If reference runs are performed to inform the control device of current rotational position, then accurate control is enabled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-consuming mechanical reference runs with passive optical position coding elements that are continuously detectable. The optical sensors detect the position of coding elements on the engagement element without requiring active mechanical procedures, enabling accurate position detection with minimal energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The position coding elements on the engagement element continuously provide position information passively through their optical patterns. The system serves itself by having the engagement element's own structure (the coding elements) provide the measurement information needed for control, eliminating the need for external reference procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the control device remains permanently active for continuous monitoring, then operational convenience is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical position detection system operates continuously and passively, providing uninterrupted position information without requiring the control device to remain fully active. The position coding elements continuously encode position information that can be detected on-demand, enabling quick transitions from idle to active states without energy-intensive reference runs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A key operating device for turning a key of a lock comprises a base body, an engagement element that can be brought into engagement with a key, a manually rotatable operating wheel for rotating the engagement element, an electromechanical drive for rotating the engagement element, a control device for the drive, a plurality of position coding elements, and a position sensor for detecting the position coding elements and transmitting corresponding detection signals to the control device. The control device is designed to determine a rotational position of the operating wheel based on the detection signals in an active state. When the key operating device is not actuated, it assumes a rest state with lower energy consumption. It can be converted to the active state by transmitting a detection signal.