Rotary Housing Driving Device for Standard Lock Cylinders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart lock driving devices require modification of conventional cylinder inserts or use of non-standard keys, and face challenges in achieving compact size while maintaining high torque and efficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A driving device with a rotary housing that mounts onto conventional cylinder inserts without modification, using a toothed ring and a gear transmission to transfer rotational force, incorporating cylindrical cells for energy and a compact design that allows manual and electric operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a driving device is mounted on a conventional cylinder insert without modification, then compatibility with standard locks is improved, but the device size increases making it less aesthetically pleasing and more prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The driving device is nested within a door handle assembly, where the motor, battery, and control electronics are housed inside the handle structure. This allows the smart lock functionality to be integrated into the existing door hardware without adding external bulk, maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling compatibility with conventional cylinder inserts through the driving device interface
Solution Approach 2:
The driving device incorporates a universal interface that can accommodate both conventional cylinder inserts and smart lock mechanisms. The motorized driving mechanism can operate in multiple modes: traditional key operation, electronic keyless entry, and remote control, allowing a single device design to serve multiple locking systems without requiring separate housings for each function
2Volume of moving object
If the driving device size is reduced for aesthetic purposes, then appearance is improved, but the torque capability decreases affecting locking reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a traditionally large mechanical gear system with a compact electromagnetic motor that generates high torque density. The motor directly engages with the locking mechanism through a precision transmission system, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical advantage systems while maintaining sufficient torque for reliable locking and unlocking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a high-performance electromagnetic motor with optimized magnetic field parameters that achieves exceptional torque output relative to its size. By changing the motor design parameters (magnetic flux density, coil configuration, rotor geometry), the system attains high torque density, allowing compact dimensions without sacrificing locking force capability
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is used to reduce device dimensions, then manufacturing costs and aesthetics are improved, but energy storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes lithium-ion battery technology with optimized cell chemistry and configuration that achieves high energy density. By changing the battery parameters (cell chemistry, arrangement, voltage configuration), the system stores sufficient energy for multiple locking cycles and electronic operations within a compact volume, reducing the number of cells needed compared to traditional battery systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy primary battery cells with rechargeable lithium-ion cells that offer superior energy-to-weight and energy-to-volume ratios. The rechargeable system can be recharged via USB or wireless charging integrated into the door handle, effectively providing unlimited operational life without increasing device size, unlike disposable battery systems that would require larger capacity cells for extended runtime
4Ease of operation
If conventional keys are used without modification, then ease of operation is improved, but the driving device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving device incorporates a self-aligning key reception mechanism that automatically detects and positions traditional keys in the correct orientation for operation. The system includes sensors that identify key insertion and guide the key to the proper angular position, eliminating the need for complex user alignment procedures while maintaining compatibility with conventional key designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary recognition system between the key and the locking mechanism. This intermediary layer includes optical or magnetic sensors that detect key presence and type, then coordinate with the motorized driving device to execute the appropriate locking or unlocking sequence, simplifying user interaction while managing system complexity through intelligent control
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 operation with standard keys, maintains a small size, and achieves high torque with efficient energy use, providing a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution for smart locks.
Implementation Method 1
a gear transmission with a terminal toothed wheel (4)
Implementation Method 2
incorporating cylindrical cells for energy
Data Source
AI summary
A key turning device (1) is releasably engageable with a key (15) that is in engagement with the key cylinder (8) of a lock body (6). The device includes a mount ring (5) with a central opening (7) through which of the key extends, and an internal gear ring (9). A housing (3) is movably mounted in operative engagement with the mount ring such that the housing is rotatably movable and axially immovable relative to the mount ring. The housing includes at least one electric cell (34), a motor (32) and a transmission (33) which includes with an output gear (4). The housing further includes a key pocket (11) that holds a head of the key. The device is selective operative to rotate the housing relative to the mount ring such that the key rotates the key cylinder to change the lock between locked and unlocked conditions.