Vertical Door Latch With Removable Battery and Wireless Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-storage facilities face challenges in managing secure access to individually lockable, vertically opening rollup doors, often relying on traditional keyed locks that are cumbersome and lack centralized control.
Innovation Solution
A vertical door latch assembly with a housing, bolt, drive motor, and controller that selectively moves between locked and unlocked positions, controlled via a wireless system, incorporating a blocker plate and lead screw mechanism for secure and remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional keyed locks are used for rollup doors, then each customer can control access to their storage area, but the system becomes cumbersome and lacks centralized control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical keyed locks with an automated motor-driven locking mechanism controlled by a wireless system. The motor assembly automatically moves the bolt between locked and unlocked positions based on wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical keys and manual locking operations, thereby simplifying user interaction while enabling centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides secure locking, enables remote access control, supports centralized management, and allows automated operation. The motor-driven mechanism integrates these functions into a single system that can be controlled through various means including wireless communication, providing versatile functionality across different operational scenarios
2Extent of automation
If automated motor-driven locking mechanisms are implemented, then centralized control and remote access are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is integrated within the existing latch assembly housing, with the motor housing positioned inside the latch assembly. This nested configuration allows the automated components to be contained within the original device envelope, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while still providing automated functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication system serves as an intermediary between the control system and the locking mechanism. This wireless interface enables centralized control and remote access without requiring physical connections or complex wiring, simplifying the control architecture while maintaining full automation capability
3Extent of automation
If the bolt is made movable for automated locking, then secure automated access control is achieved, but the reliability of maintaining locked position may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly automatically returns the bolt to its locked position after the motor-driven movement, providing self-servicing functionality. This spring mechanism ensures that the bolt maintains reliable locked position without requiring continuous power or active control, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly is pre-loaded to provide automatic return force to the locked position, creating a backup mechanism that ensures reliability even if the motor fails or loses power. This beforehand cushioning through spring force guarantees that the bolt will return to and maintain the locked position, preventing security compromises
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
Enables secure, remotely manageable access control for rollup doors, enhancing security and reducing the risk of unauthorized access through automated locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw in driving engagement with the drive motor
Implementation Method 2
a spring surrounding the lead screw in engagement with the first end of the sliding nut and the first end of the blocker plate
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 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.