Electronic lock with freely definable touch sequence and universal power supply

Abstract

(Main claim): Electronic lock, characterized by a single capacitive contact surface, a control unit for the temporal recording and classification of touches into "short" and "long", a comparison function to check the entered sequence against a stored reference, an actuator unit for unlocking, an optical display unit with two LEDs, and a locking function after several failed attempts.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic lock that is unlocked by an individual, time-based touch sequence (short / long).

[0002] The lock is touch-sensitive and can be used as a door lock, padlock, vehicle or container lock. State of the art

[0003] Most well-known electronic locks use mechanical keypads, fingerprint sensors, or mobile apps for authentication.

[0004] However, these systems are susceptible to wear and tear, hacking, power consumption, or user error. Furthermore, they often require a constant internet or Bluetooth connection. Object of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the invention is to create a robust, secure and energy-efficient lock that works without a keypad, key or app and can be operated with minimal energy consumption. Solution to the task

[0006] The task is solved by an electronic lock with a single capacitive touch surface.

[0007] The password is entered as a time-based touch sequence consisting of short and long touches. similar to Morse code, but user-defined.

[0008] A microcontroller evaluates the touch duration, classifies it, compares the sequence with a stored reference, and activates an actuator to unlock the lock if there is a match. Incorrect entries are counted. After three incorrect attempts, the lock is automatically locked for two minutes.

[0009] LEDs indicate the status (red = error, green = success).

[0010] Power is supplied via a battery with optional solar cell or USB port.

[0011] An energy-saving mode automatically switches off the system when no activity is detected. Advantages of the invention • No key, no keyboard, no app needed • Low energy consumption • Independent of radio connections • Intuitive operation through touch patterns • Weatherproof and compact • Universally applicable for doors, containers, and vehicles. Example of implementation

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the lock consists of: • a touch-sensitive surface (touch electrode), • a microcontroller (e.g. ESP32), • two LEDs (red / green), • a servo or relay actuator for mechanical unlocking, • a rechargeable energy source (battery / solar).

Claims

[1] (Main claim): Electronic lock, characterized by a single capacitive contact surface, a control unit for the temporal recording and classification of touches into "short" and "long", a comparison function to check the entered sequence against a stored reference, an actuator unit for unlocking, an optical display unit with two LEDs, and a locking function after several failed attempts. [2] Lock according to claim 1, characterized by , that the input will automatically end if no further touch is detected within a certain time. [3] Lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a learning mode for learning new sequences is available. [4] Lock according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the energy supply is provided via battery, solar cell or USB. [5] Lock according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuator unit is a servo or relay. [6] Lock according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a Bluetooth interface is provided for optional configuration. [7] Lock according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that event data (failed attempts, unlocks) are stored in memory. [8] Lock according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it can be used as a door, padlock, vehicle or container lock. [9] Lock according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that touches under 200 ms are interpreted as "short" and over 500 ms as "long". [10] Lock according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an energy-saving mode is activated when the user is inactive.

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