As smart locks have evolved, many software and hardware features have been added. However, in recent years, as the product forms have matured, manufacturers have been scaling back on certain components. One such feature is the interior motor knob, which is gradually being phased out in various smart lock designs.

The interior motor knob is a locking mechanism typically found on the interior side of smart locks that use a mechanical lock body with a rear clutch system. This knob allows users to unlock the door by pressing, pulling, and rotating it. A few years ago, as the rear clutch system became more widespread, the motor knob became a standard feature.

According to industry experts, the interior motor knob initially emerged when quick-open handles were not yet available. The knob provided an emergency unlocking solution and helped with lock positioning during installation. However, in recent years, many manufacturers have begun removing this feature, especially in rear-clutch smart locks.

We discussed this phenomenon with several industry professionals and found a range of opinions regarding the decline of the interior motor knob. Some believe its removal is inevitable. One reason is that rear-clutch smart locks are primarily produced by small to medium-sized manufacturers, who are under cost pressure due to industry competition. Eliminating the motor knob reduces costs and enhances the product’s appearance. Moreover, with the rise of quick-open handles and more widespread use of anti-jamming lock bodies, the need for an emergency motor knob has diminished.

However, not everyone agrees. Some argue that the motor knob should remain. For one, not all manufacturers use quick-open lock bodies, and in a market as diverse as China’s, where household needs vary, retaining an emergency interior unlocking method might still be practical.

Others suggest a compromise: keeping the interior motor knob while working on improving the overall appearance of the product for a more uniform design.

Through various discussions with industry insiders, it’s clear that opinions on this matter differ widely, with each perspective grounded in practical experience and individual analysis. Some prioritize emergency functionality, others focus on cost reduction, while others emphasize aesthetic improvements. Observing current trends, more manufacturers seem to be choosing to remove the motor knob. Yet, the knob has been a reliable feature in smart locks for years, and many professionals still see its utility.

So, has the interior motor knob of smart locks become a design burden, and should it be completely eliminated? There is no definitive answer at this stage. Given that it relates to emergency unlocking and safety, respecting the development trends seems wise. Looking at the history of smart locks, many features and functions have appeared and disappeared. Early innovations, like gear lock bodies and square-steel motors, sparked similar debates. Some features became standard, while others faded away. Ultimately, it is the users who decide which features are valuable, as they experience the products firsthand.

It’s important to note that smart locks equipped with rear-clutch systems and motor knobs represent just one direction for the industry. Many manufacturers are now focusing on electronic lock bodies paired with quick-open knobs, offering excellent stability and convenience.