Smart Lock Release Structure Prevents Motor Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart locks with motor-driven mechanisms often suffer from premature wear and damage due to continuous torque output when the lock tongue is not properly engaged, leading to a shortened lifespan of the electronic lock.
Innovation Solution
A release structure for smart locks that includes a housing with a circuit unit, a drive unit, and a release element featuring a push arm and flexible arm mechanism, where the push arm contacts and crosses the flexible arm to render the motor idle when the lock tongue is not engaged, preventing damage to internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor continuously outputs torque through the gear set to drive the clutch mechanism, then the lock can be reliably engaged and disengaged, but the motor and gear components are damaged when the lock tongue is not properly engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a release element with a flexible arm as an intermediary component between the drive unit and the push arm. When the lock tongue is not properly engaged, the flexible arm bends and releases the push arm, preventing direct transmission of motor torque to the damaged position. This intermediary mechanism allows the motor to idle safely while still enabling reliable locking when properly engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The release element transitions from a static protective barrier to a dynamic, state-responsive mechanism. The flexible arm dynamically adjusts its state based on engagement conditions: it remains rigid to transmit force when properly engaged, but bends to release the push arm when misaligned. This dynamic behavior enables the system to automatically protect components without sacrificing locking reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the motor continuously outputs torque to ensure the lock can be disengaged, then the disengagement function is reliable, but the motor and internal components are damaged due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The release element acts as a feedback mechanism that monitors the engagement state of the lock tongue. When the lock tongue is not properly engaged, the flexible arm bends and provides feedback to release the push arm, which in turn causes the motor to idle. This feedback loop ensures the motor only operates when the lock is properly engaged, maintaining disengagement reliability while extending motor lifespan.
3Reliability
If the gear set continuously transmits torque from the motor, then the clutch mechanism can be reliably driven, but the gears and related parts are damaged during continuous torque transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The release element serves as a simple intermediary mechanism between the drive unit and the push arm. It adds minimal complexity to the system while effectively protecting the gear set from damage. The flexible arm's simple bending motion provides the necessary protection without requiring complex sensors, controllers, or additional actuating mechanisms.
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
This solution effectively protects the motor and gear components from damage by allowing the motor to idle when the lock tongue is not correctly aligned, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the smart lock.
Implementation Method 1
The release element is disposed on the rotation pivot and includes at least one flexible arm. The push arm is driven by the drive unit to rotatably contact the at least one flexible arm and cross the same, so that the drive unit becomes idle.
Data Source
AI summary
A release structure of a smart lock includes a circuit unit, a drive unit, and a release element. The circuit unit and the drive unit are placed in a housing, and the drive unit is electrically connected to the circuit unit. The drive unit includes at least one push arm pivotally connected to a rotation pivot and enclosing the same. The release element is placed on the rotation pivot and includes at least one flexible arm placed corresponding to the push arm. The push arm is driven by the drive unit to rotatably contact the at least one flexible arm and cross it, so that the drive unit becomes idle. Accordingly, components in the drive unit are prevented from damages, and a lifespan of the smart lock is prolonged.