Self-Powered Door Lock with Independent Generator Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical door locks face issues with unreliable and expensive energy supply, particularly when converting mechanical power into electrical power, and lack a solution where two actuating elements independently feed a generator.
Innovation Solution
A door lock design that incorporates a first and second actuating element, each coupled to a generator via a freewheel and elastic coupling, allowing independent operation to convert mechanical power into electrical power, with energy storage for authorization checks and implementing a panic lock mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are used to supply electrical energy to the door lock, then the electrical components can be powered, but the batteries have to be replaced regularly and increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The door lock system generates its own electrical energy through generators that are driven by the actuating elements (door handles, key cylinders). The mechanical energy from normal door operation is converted into electrical energy to power the electronic components, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external batteries or power cables
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mechanical actuation mechanism with the electrical energy generation function. The same actuating elements that operate the locking mechanism also drive the generators through direct mechanical coupling, merging two functions into a unified system that reduces overall complexity
2Power
If a mechanical energy store is charged when the door handle is actuated, then the electrical components can be supplied with defined power, but the electrical power available is decoupled from how the door handle is operated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic energy management where the mechanical energy store is charged during door handle actuation and then discharged to provide electrical power during authorization checks. This dynamic charging and discharging cycle allows the system to provide defined power when needed while capturing energy from normal operational movements
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical energy store is charged in advance during door handle actuation before the authorization check occurs. This preliminary energy storage ensures that sufficient electrical power is available when the electronic components need to be powered, decoupling the energy availability from the exact timing of the authorization process
3Adaptability or versatility
If two actuating elements are coupled to the generator, then independent operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is designed with universal coupling capability to accept multiple types of actuating elements (door handles, key cylinders) through standardized mechanical interfaces. Each actuating element can independently drive the generator, providing versatility while maintaining a unified energy generation system that limits overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is segmented into independent coupling mechanisms for each actuating element, where each element has its own direct coupling to the generator. This segmentation allows independent operation of each actuating element while keeping the coupling system modular and manageable, preventing exponential complexity growth
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 reliable and long-lasting energy supply for door locks, enabling independent operation of actuating elements and extending the period of electrical power availability, while ensuring secure and efficient energy conversion and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuating element which is coupled at least indirectly to a generator and to a closing element in order to drive the generator via the first actuating element
Implementation Method 2
The actuating element is coupled to the generator with the interposition of at least one elastic coupling, the elastic coupling, when a given torque to be transmitted or a given force to be transmitted is exceeded, absorbing part of the kinetic energy introduced via at least one of the actuating elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The lock has an actuator (21) and an adapter (60) for transferring actuation of a pusher shaft (20). A disk-like inner body (31) is coupled with a generator (58). The inner body is coupled with the actuator and adapter such that the inner body is driven during rotating the actuator and the adapter for driving the generator. The actuator does not drive the adapter and/or the adapter does not drive the actuator. The pusher shaft is coupled with the generator by intermediately connecting a spring element (56). An outer body is formed between the inner body and the generator.