Abstract—This paper presents an optimized design for a robotic smart lock actuator and its implementation in an integrated device named SimSim. The smart device is installed on top of an existing deadbolt lock and responds to secure wireless commands from a smartphone. It is optimized for ease of installation, various deadbolt thumbturn geometries, and simplicity of design (which reduces cost and quantity of failure points). It leverages several unconventional designs to implement various features without significantly increasing complexity, including a retreating clutch to prevent backdriving, a sliding gripper that takes advantage of common lock geometry, and a rotating body to simplify mechatronic design. SimSim is manufactured using FDM 3D printing techniques and houses a custom PCB and firmware. It is controlled over Bluetooth Low Energy using a smartphone.
 
Index Terms—smart locks, robotic actuators, robotic manipulators, design for manufacturing, mechatronics, internet of things

Cite: Andrew Zhang, Raghavendra Venkata Prasad Palipi Kandubai, and Stowe Hammarberg, "A Functional Retro-Fitting Robotic Smart Lock Manipulator," International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 123-128, March 2022. DOI: 10.18178/ijmerr.11.3.123-128

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