Vertical Door Latch Assembly With Removable Battery Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-storage facilities face challenges in managing access control and battery maintenance for vertically opening doors, such as rollup or overhead doors, with traditional keyed locks and inefficient battery replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A vertical door latch assembly with a housing, bolt, drive motor, and removable battery assembly, controlled by an electronic control module for secure access and battery management, featuring a flexible arm and lead screw mechanism for easy battery replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional keyed lock is used for vertically opening doors, then the lock assembly structure is simple, but the access control management is inefficient and lacks remote monitoring capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical keyed lock system with an electronic control system that includes a controller, drive motor, and battery assembly. The controller receives signals to actuate the drive motor, which in turn moves the bolt between locked and unlocked positions, enabling automated access control management and remote monitoring capability while maintaining the basic locking function.
2Productivity
If the battery assembly is fixed to the housing, then the lock assembly is secure and reliable, but the battery replacement process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic battery assembly design that can transition between fixed and removable states. The battery assembly includes a housing with a distal end that can be positioned within the lock assembly housing, allowing the battery to be securely fixed during operation for reliable power supply, while also enabling easy removal when replacement is needed, thus balancing security with maintenance efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery assembly is designed as a separable component with a housing that can be removed from the main lock assembly. This segmentation allows the battery to be independently accessed and replaced without affecting the overall lock assembly structure, improving replacement efficiency while maintaining security when the battery is installed.
3Ease of operation
If the bolt is held in position by a catch portion engaging a slot, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the bolt cannot be easily repositioned for maintenance or adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic bolt positioning system where the catch portion can engage with the slot at different positions along the slot's length. This allows the bolt to be held securely in various positions while also enabling easy repositioning by simply moving the catch portion to different locations within the slot, balancing security with maintenance accessibility without adding significant complexity.
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
Provides secure access control and efficient battery maintenance, enabling remote monitoring and automated battery replacement, enhancing security and operational efficiency of vertically opening doors.
Implementation Method 1
A sliding nut is moved along the lead screw to engage a release portion on a battery housing
Implementation Method 2
A battery assembly is removable from the housing when the lock assembly is in first position
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical door latch assembly includes a housing and a bolt movably attached to the housing having a catch portion. A drive motor is located within the housing and is configured to selectively move a lock assembly between a locked position preventing movement of the bolt and an unlocked position allowing movement of the bolt. A battery assembly is removable from the housing when the lock assembly is in first position and fixed to the housing when the lock assembly is in a second position. A controller is in electrical communication with the drive motor and is configured to direct the actuator lock assembly between the locked position and the unlocked position.