Motor-Driven Sleeve Locking Mechanism for Pre-Load Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric locking devices, such as electric strikes, often experience operational issues due to 'pre-load' conditions, which can cause the mechanism to jam and fail to transition from a locked to an unlocked condition, posing safety concerns and access issues during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism featuring a plunger, spherical locking elements, a moveable sleeve, and a motor-driven gearbox that allows the sleeve to rotate between locked and unlocked positions, with an onboard power source to ensure operation even in power outages, enabling the lock to transition from a locked to an unlocked condition under pre-load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electric strike mechanism is used, then the locking function is provided, but the mechanism becomes jammed under pre-load conditions and cannot transition from locked to unlocked state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable plunger that can dynamically adjust its position between extended and retracted states. The plunger is biased by a spring and can be actuated by a solenoid or motor, allowing the locking mechanism to adapt to pre-load conditions by retracting the plunger to disengage the locking element, thus resolving the jamming issue while maintaining reliable locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the locking mechanism by introducing a controllable actuator (solenoid or motor) that can change the plunger's position parameter. This allows the system to transition between locked and unlocked states even under pre-load by changing the plunger extension parameter, thereby improving both reliability and ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism uses a motor-driven sleeve rotation system, then the transition between locked and unlocked positions is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a threaded sleeve as an intermediary mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion of the plunger. The sleeve threads engage with the plunger, so that rotating the sleeve (driven by a small motor) causes the plunger to extend or retract. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall structure by using a well-understood mechanical conversion rather than a complex direct-drive system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a potentially complex multi-component actuation system with a simpler motor-sleeve-plunger arrangement. The motor drives the sleeve rotation, which through thread engagement directly controls plunger position, eliminating the need for complex linkages, cam mechanisms, or hydraulic systems that would achieve the same result
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 reliable operation under pre-load conditions, ensuring safe access and preventing jamming, with the ability to switch to an unlocked state using an onboard power supply in case of power loss, enhancing safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The plunger may be biased towards an extended position by way of a spring.
Implementation Method 2
The sleeve may include a threaded portion and whereby rotation of the sleeve causes movement along its thread.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism including a plunger, a plurality of locking elements, a cage including apertures in which the locking elements are housed, and a sleeve, with the sleeve moveable with respect to the cage between an unlocked position and a locked position, and when the sleeve is in the locked position, the sleeve maintains the locking elements in engagement with a recess on the plunger to restrict movement of the plunger.