Actuator minimizes power/size needs for electronic locks.
Press Release Summary:
Dropped into existing lock or latch assemblies, SQLM Series SQUIGGLE Motor Lock Module helps manufacturers reduce size and power requirements. Solution draws 0.8 W max power and its SQLM-3.4-4 actuator assembly contains piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motor with optical limit switches in 6 x 6 x 17 mm polymer housing. Complete SQLM lock module also includes 33 x 38 x 10 mm MC-4012-3.4 driver card, powered by 2 AA batteries and controlled using TTL control signals.
Original Press Release:
New Low-Power Actuator for Electronic Locks and Latches is Half the Size of Existing Choices
Using New Scale's patented piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motor, new actuator drops into existing lock assemblies to reduce size and power requirements
Victor, NY - September 18, 2007 - New Scale Technologies, Inc. (www.newscaletech.com) today announced a new low-power actuator for next-generation electronic locks and latches. The SQLM Series SQUIGGLE Motor Lock Module draws far less power than solenoids or stepper motors and uses only half the space. It is designed to drop into existing lock or latch assemblies, allowing lock manufacturers to reduce the size and power requirements of their electronic locks.
The SQLM-3.4-4 actuator assembly contains a patented piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motor with optical limit switches in compact polymer housing (approximately 6 x 6 x 17 mm). In a typical lock application, the tip of the SQUIGGLE motor screw is used to push a spring-loaded shear pin, which engages the latching mechanism. The SQUIGGLE motor provides four millimeters of stroke with high force and speed, and holds its position with power off.
A complete SQLM lock module includes the actuator and an MC-4012-3.4 driver card, powered by two AA batteries and controlled using TTL control signals. The 33 x 38 x 10 mm card is ready for installation next to the lock microprocessor and power source, or can be used as a reference design for ASIC implementation.
SQLM SQUIGGLE Motor Lock Module Specifications
- Stroke....................4 mm
- Input voltage...........3 VDC (2 standard AA batteries)
- Power....................~ 0.8 W moving/0 W stationary ( < 0.8 Joules per stroke)
- Force....................1 Newton recommended/2 Newtons stall force
- Speed...................4 mm/s (one second per stroke)
- Dimensions
Actuator assembly.......7.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 mm
Driver card...................33 x 38 x 10 mm
- Operating temp... -30°C to +80°C
Visit New Scale's electronic locks and fasteners web page (www.newscaletech.com/locks_fasteners.html) for more information and a downloadable data sheet.
Applications
Traditional mechanical lock and key systems are rapidly being displaced by magnetic cards, key panels and biometric sensors in many commercial applications. Electronic access systems improve security, allow companies to monitor and flexibly control access to different areas, and reduce total system cost. In addition to building and facility access, electronic locks and latches are increasingly used for applications such as pharmaceutical cabinets and carts in hospitals, safety interlocks in automotive applications, and protective interlocks on IT hardware.
Availability
Engineering samples are available now for qualified OEMs.
About New Scale Technologies
New Scale Technologies, Inc. (www.newscaletech.com) is a global manufacturer of disruptively small ultrasonic motors. Our patented piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motor is the world's smallest linear motor. With very few parts and no gears, SQUIGGLE motors are smaller, more precise, less expensive and more efficient than conventional electromagnetic motors. SQUIGGLE motors also operate reliably in extreme environments such as vacuum, cryogenic temperatures and high magnetic fields.
The SQUIGGLE motor consists of piezoelectric ceramics that create ultrasonic vibrations in threaded nut, causing a mating screw to rotate and translate with precise linear movement and high force in a very small space. A key market is for 'focus and zoom' optics in mobile phone cameras - an emerging market for one billion tiny motors per year. Other SQUIGGLE motor applications include electronic locks and intelligent fasteners, nano-scale fluid control including lab-on-a-chip systems, medical devices including miniature drug pumps and endoscopes, optics and imaging, automotive modules, lasers, aerospace and defense systems, cryogenic and MRI-compatible instruments, and consumer electronics including micro fuel cells.
SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark of New Scale Technologies, Inc.
