Sealed Keeper Sensor for Corrosion-Resistant Deadbolts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorized deadbolt systems are prone to corrosion when exposed to environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature changes, and salt air environments, affecting their reliability and longevity.
Innovation Solution
The design of an electronic keeper with a sealed battery chamber and actuator chamber, where the actuator includes a strike and magnet that pivots between positions to detect a locking element, ensuring the sensor remains sealed from corrosive conditions and the magnet's axis is parallel to the chamber wall, preventing exposure to corrosive environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is exposed to detect the locking element, then the detection function is improved, but the sensor is exposed to corrosive environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into separate sealed battery chamber and actuator chamber, with the sensor positioned in the sealed battery chamber rather than directly exposed to the external environment. This segmentation allows the sensor to detect the locking element through the chamber wall while remaining protected from corrosive conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber wall acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the external environment, allowing magnetic field detection while blocking corrosive substances. The sensor detects the locking element's position through the wall without direct exposure to harmful environmental factors.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator components are exposed to the environment for operation, then the actuation function is improved, but the components are exposed to corrosive conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator chamber is separated from the battery chamber with a sealed wall, creating distinct functional zones. The actuator components can be accessed through a face plate opening for operation while the sensor and battery remain sealed and protected from environmental corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the housing have different sealing properties: the battery chamber is fully sealed to protect sensitive electronics, while the actuator chamber has a controlled opening for operational access. This local differentiation allows each component to be protected at the appropriate level.
3Measurement precision
If the magnet axis is parallel to the chamber wall, then the magnetic detection is optimized, but the magnet remains protected from corrosive environments
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic detection field extends through the chamber wall in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface, allowing the magnet to be positioned with its axis parallel to the wall while still achieving effective detection. This utilizes the third dimension (through the wall thickness) to resolve the conflict between optimal magnet orientation and environmental protection.
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 extends the life cycle of components by preventing corrosion, ensuring the electronic keeper remains functional in harsh environments and enhances the reliability of the motorized deadbolt system.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator includes a strike and a magnet, wherein when a locking element is in contact with the strike, the actuator pivots from the first position towards the second position so that the magnet moves relative to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic keeper includes a housing defining a battery chamber and an actuator chamber. An actuator is at least partially disposed within the actuator chamber. The actuator includes a strike and a magnet, and is pivotable between a first position and a second position relative to the housing. The actuator is also biased towards the first position. The electronic keeper also includes a senor disposed within the battery chamber. When a locking element is in contact with the strike, the actuator pivots from the first position towards the second position so that the magnet moves relative to the sensor.