Universal Transmission Device for Smart Lock Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission devices for converting conventional locks into smart locks are rigid and inflexible, making it difficult to adapt to the variety of lock cylinders on the market, requiring complex installation processes and often necessitating cylinder changes, which increases installation time and cost.

Innovation Solution

A universal transmission device designed for installation on the inner side of lock cylinders, featuring a connector element that can accommodate various key, knob, or shaft types and sizes, with an additional key element and intermediate piece for adaptability, and an elastic element to secure the key, allowing for simple conversion of conventional locks into smart locks without modifying the exterior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid transmission device design is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to various types of lock cylinders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cylinder typesVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector element is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types of cylinders (key cylinders, knob cylinders, shaft cylinders) through a single standardized interface. The receiving system can accept different actuating mechanisms (keys, knobs, shafts) while maintaining the same core transmission function, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission device is divided into distinct modular components: the connector element, the receiving system, and the transmission mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and optimized for specific functions, enabling easier adaptation to different cylinder types by simply replacing or adjusting the connector element rather than redesigning the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the transmission device is designed to fit all cylinder types, then adaptability is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with existing cylindersVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector element is pre-designed with standardized dimensions and mounting features that match common cylinder types. Installation guides and alignment features are incorporated in advance, allowing installers to quickly identify the correct connector configuration for a given cylinder type without requiring complex analysis or custom fabrication during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connector element acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between diverse cylinder types and the standardized receiving system. By providing a universal interface layer, it simplifies installation as installers only need to match the connector to the cylinder type, while the receiving system remains constant, reducing the overall installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If existing cylinders are modified to fit rigid transmission devices, then device-cylinder compatibility is achieved, but installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice-cylinder compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector element incorporates adjustable and interchangeable components that can be dynamically configured to match different cylinder types. Rather than requiring permanent modification of cylinders, the system allows dynamic adaptation through selectable connector variations, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining reliable compatibility across different cylinder types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4361387A1Transmission device for lock cylinders
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 SALTO SYST SL
  • EP4361387A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4361387A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4361387A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Transmission device for lock cylinders configured to be installed in a cylinder comprising at least one inner side (1) which comprises a drive by means of a key (3), knob (4) or shaft (5), and one outer side (2). The device comprises a base body (6) with at least one receiving system (7) for an opening or closing signal and a connector element (8) provided with a hole (9) configured to receive therein the key (3), the knob (4) or the shaft (5) of the cylinder. The connector element (8) is linked to the receiving system (7) such that when the receiving system (7) receives an opening or closing signal to open or close the lock, it rotates the connector element (8), rotating with it the key (3), the knob (4) or the shaft (5) of the cylinder, thus opening or closing the lock.