Retractable Lock Knob With Motorized Release Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lock knobs used in enclosures are susceptible to damage when not in use, necessitating protection to prevent accidental manipulation or damage.
Innovation Solution
A retractable knob mechanism with a damper and gear system that prevents rotation unless in the extended position, combined with a motor-actuated arm mechanism for controlled extension and retraction, and optional keypad or touchscreen activation for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the knob is made retractable to protect it when not in use, then the protection against damage is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the retraction mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The knob is nested within a housing structure that allows it to retract into a protected position. The gear mechanism is nested within the housing, with teeth that engage with the knob's grooves. This nesting arrangement protects the knob while maintaining a relatively compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The knob transitions from a static exposed position to a dynamic retracted position through the gear mechanism. The spring provides dynamic force to automatically retract the knob when not in use, while the damper provides dynamic control during the retraction motion to prevent damage.
2Reliability
If the gear prevents rotation of the retractable knob unless in extended position, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear acts as an intermediary mechanism between the knob and the locking mechanism. It mediates the rotation control by engaging with the knob's grooves only when the knob is in the extended position, preventing unauthorized rotation when retracted while still allowing operation when properly extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring performs preliminary action by automatically retracting the knob to a protected position when not in use. This preliminary retraction action ensures security by default, and the user must deliberately extend the knob to operate it, providing both security and controlled accessibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the damper with gear is used to control knob movement, then the protection against accidental manipulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper and gear functions are merged into a single integrated component. The gear teeth are formed as an integral part of the damper assembly, combining the motion control function of the damper with the rotational prevention function of the gear in one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear-damper assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls the retraction speed of the knob, prevents rotation when retracted, and provides mechanical linkage between the knob and housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
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 solution provides a protected and secure locking mechanism that prevents accidental rotation of the knob, ensuring the lock remains secure and reducing the risk of damage, while allowing controlled access through proper input or key activation.
Implementation Method 1
the retractable knob may be spring biased into an extended position
Implementation Method 2
Damping movement of the retractable knob from the retracted position to the extended position with a damper
Data Source
AI summary
A lock including: a retractable knob; and a knob release mechanism for retaining the retractable knob in a retracted position, the knob release mechanism retains the retractable knob in the retracted position until a motor of the knob release mechanism is actuated by an input provided to a keypad located on a surface of the lock.