Access Lock Control Using Inductive Sensing and Boost Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control devices face challenges in accurately sensing the position of movable components and ensuring they reach a desired state, often leading to excessive current draw and potential blockages due to inadequate actuator power management.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a motor-driven locking mechanism with inductive position sensing and a controller that monitors the target component's position, adjusting current supply to overcome blockages by reversing direction and applying boost current when necessary, ensuring the locking member reaches its desired state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator is powered for a predetermined period to ensure the device reaches the desired state, then the device may reach the desired state under normal conditions, but if there is a blockage the actuator draws excessive current and may not reach the desired state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback through position sensing (inductive switches detecting target component positions) to monitor the actual state of the locking member during actuation. This feedback enables the control system to adjust power delivery in real-time, applying power only when movement is occurring and stopping when the desired position is reached or a blockage is detected, thereby preventing excessive current draw while ensuring reliable state achievement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power control by varying the actuator's power delivery based on real-time position feedback. Instead of a static predetermined power application, the system dynamically adjusts power levels - applying power during movement phases and cutting power when positioned correctly or when blockage is detected - optimizing both reliability and energy efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If conventional switches are used to sense the position of the movable component, then the device can detect basic position states, but the switches are incapable of providing the desired degree of fidelity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical switches with inductive sensing mechanisms that detect the position of a target component through electromagnetic induction. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact wear and provides higher measurement fidelity through non-contact detection, while the inductive targets and sensors add minimal complexity compared to the reliability gains.
3Reliability
If the motor operates continuously to ensure the locking member reaches the desired position, then the locking member may overcome blockages, but excessive current is drawn and potential damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first attempting to move the locking member to the desired position with normal power levels, and only if position feedback indicates the desired state has not been reached does the system then apply higher power levels to overcome potential blockages. This staged approach prevents unnecessary high current draw and associated damage while still ensuring the locking member reaches its desired position when needed.
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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of access control devices by precisely positioning components while minimizing power consumption and preventing damage from blockages.
Implementation Method 1
inductive position sensing and a controller that monitors the target component's position
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary method generally relates to operating an access control device including a motor, a locking member, and a target component operably connected with the locking member. The motor may be operated to drive the locking member in a first direction from an initial position toward a desired position. When the locking member is blocked from moving beyond a blockage position, a target location of the target component is detected. The motor may then be operated to drive the locking member in a second direction opposite the first direction. The motor may then be operated to drive the locking member in the first direction toward the blockage position while monitoring the location of the target component. As the target component reaches the target location, the motor is supplied with a boost current to drive the locking member beyond the blockage position and toward the desired position.