Power Transmission Products Help Open New Doors

Traditional door locking systems haven't changed much over the years, but with recent cost-effective, smaller power transmission products combined with smart technology, door-locking systems have become much more advanced.

Access Technologies, a Danish company, has developed a new type of door locking system that can be installed over an existing lock to create a system that is hands-free, can be remotely actuated, but can still use a traditional key.

Each lock has an individual wireless code. These key codes can be imprinted on smart cards, so all a person needs to do would be to get the card close to the lock and it would unlock automatically. This is not unlike some hotel room keyless systems. These cards can be used by temporary workers, such as home health aides, to allow them temporary access to the home. In addition, the lock can be tied into a central location, so if the key card is lost, a call can be placed and if the right password is given, the lock can be actuated remotely. The electronic lock signature can also be imprinted on a smartphone so this key code could be transmitted to the lock from anywhere in the world.

The system works by having the drive gear installed over the existing square shaft of an existing door lock. To lock the door, both the motor and the clutch are energized at the same time. The motor drives through the reducer, which drives through the clutch, turning the pinion gear, which turns the drive gear and the square lock shaft. To unlock the door, the motor drives in reverse. Power comes from a wall outlet with a flexible connection at the hinge, eliminating the need for batteries. When the motor is not driving, the clutch is de-energized, which allows the armature in the clutch to completely separate from the motor/reducer, allowing free movement of the pinion shaft. This allows the homeowner to manually turn the deadbolt tab without trying to back drive the gearbox/motor.