Electromechanical Access Control System Energy Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromechanical access control systems for building doors consume excessive electrical energy due to the motor having to work against a spring element to move the coupling element into the engaged position, leading to inefficient energy use.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a control unit that stops the drive after a fixed time interval if the coupling element does not reach the intended position, eliminating the need for a spring element by using sensor signals to control the drive, thereby optimizing energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring element is used to move the coupling element into the engaged position, then the coupling can be achieved, but the motor has to work against the spring element consuming excessive electrical energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling engagementVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the spring element from the system entirely. Instead of using a spring to provide mechanical force for engagement, the system relies on the motor to directly move the coupling element to the engaged position, with the control unit monitoring sensor signals to determine when engagement is achieved. This extraction of the spring element eliminates the energy-wasting conflict between the motor and spring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects the position of the coupling element and sends signals to the control unit. The control unit continuously monitors these signals to determine when the coupling element has reached the engaged position, allowing the motor to stop precisely when engagement is achieved rather than continuously working against a spring element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the motor continuously operates to move the coupling element against the spring element, then engagement can be maintained, but energy storage lifespan is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement maintenanceVSAvoidenergy storage lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the spring element, the system eliminates the continuous energy consumption required to maintain engagement against spring pressure. The motor only operates intermittently to achieve and adjust the engaged position, rather than continuously working to overcome spring force, thereby extending energy storage lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensor feedback to automatically detect when engagement is achieved and signals the control unit to stop the motor. This self-regulating mechanism ensures the motor operates only when necessary, eliminating wasteful continuous operation and maximizing energy storage durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If the control unit stops the drive after a fixed time interval when the position is not reached, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system may fail to achieve proper engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy consumptionVSAvoidengagement achievement
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit uses real-time feedback from the sensor to determine when the coupling element has reached the engaged position. Rather than relying solely on a fixed time interval, the system continuously monitors the sensor signal and stops the motor precisely when engagement is detected, ensuring reliable engagement while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary continued operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary motor operation and extends the lifespan of energy storage, ensuring efficient and reliable access control operations.

Implementation Method 1

The system incorporates a control unit that stops the drive after a fixed time interval if the coupling element does not reach the intended position, eliminating the need for a spring element by using sensor signals to control the drive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

The access control system has a drive, in particular an electric motor, which moves the coupling element between the engaged position and the disengaged position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2998480B1Electromechanical access control system and method
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • EP2998480B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2998480B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2998480B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an electromechanical access control system (1) for a building door, comprising a coupling element (24), a mating coupling element (25), wherein the coupling element (24) is in an engaged position (X) in operative connection with the mating coupling element (25) and in a disengaged position (XI) out of operative connection with the mating coupling element (25), and a drive (22), in particular an electric motor, which moves the coupling element (24) between the engaged position (X) and the disengaged position (XI). According to the invention, the access control system (1) includes at least one sensor (53, 54) for identifying at least one position of the coupling element (24) and a control unit (56) which controls and/or regulates the drive (22) depending on a signal from the sensor (53, 54) transmitted to the control unit (56).