Smart Multipoint Lock Access Control for Low-Effort Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks, particularly multipoint locks, require substantial effort to operate and lack efficient integration with smart home technology, often featuring powered actuation of only a single deadbolt and substantial packaging on the door panel.
Innovation Solution
A method using an access controller to control a lock mechanism, transitioning between modes such as authorized access, entry, and unlocked states, allowing the exterior handle to be decoupled or coupled with the main latch based on user proximity and device inputs, enabling efficient operation and secure locking configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multipoint locks with multiple latches or bolts are used to provide secure closure, then security is improved, but the effort required to operate the lock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latches or bolts into a single integrated lock mechanism that operates simultaneously. By merging the functionality of multiple separate locking elements into one unified system, the patent maintains the enhanced security provided by multiple locking points while reducing the operational effort required, as all latches are actuated together through a single operating motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed to perform multiple locking functions through a single operational sequence. The patent implements a universal operating mechanism that can engage or disengage multiple latches and bolts simultaneously, allowing the same simple user action to accomplish what would traditionally require multiple separate actions, thus maintaining security while improving ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If powered systems are used to actuate deadbolts remotely, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and packaging requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the powered actuation mechanism from the door panel assembly and relocates it to the door edge or frame. By removing the bulky powered components from the door panel face, the patent maintains the remote operation capability while significantly reducing the packaging requirements on the door panel, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that translates remote electrical signals into mechanical motion for the deadbolt actuation. This intermediary component allows for remote operation without requiring the powered actuator to be directly mounted on the door panel, thereby reducing the complexity and packaging requirements on the door panel while maintaining the convenience of remote operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a lock mechanism of an active door includes transiting an access controller of the lock mechanism to an authorized access mode and transitioning the access controller from the authorized access mode to an entry mode. Transitioning the access controller to the authorized access mode is in response to an authorized user being sensed approaching the active door from an exterior side of the active door or in response to input on a remote device. In the authorized access mode, an exterior handle of the active door is decoupled from a main latch of the lock mechanism. Transitioning the access controller to the entry mode is in response to sensed contact with the exterior handle. In the entry mode, the exterior handle is capable of rotating to transition the access controller to an unlocked mode in which the exterior handle is operably coupled to the main latch.