Active NFC Tag Wireless Lock Power and Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passive NFC tags cannot wirelessly open electromechanical locks without batteries or a wired power supply, requiring the use of a mobile phone, which can be inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A self-sufficient active NFC tag with a replaceable or rechargeable battery, a controller, and a short-range communication transceiver, capable of initiating a power transfer to a powerless electromechanical lock for authentication and operation, using NFC technology to communicate and power the lock without external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a passive NFC tag is used, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the tag cannot wirelessly open electromechanical locks without external power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power source, controller, and NFC transceiver into a single integrated active tag unit. This merging enables the tag to independently generate RF fields for both communication and powering the electromechanical lock, resolving the contradiction between operational capability and device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The active NFC tag incorporates its own power source (battery or energy harvesting mechanism) to autonomously generate the RF field needed for authentication and lock operation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external power supplies or mobile phone assistance, enabling standalone wireless operation.
2Ease of operation
If an active NFC tag with battery is used, then wireless operation capability is improved, but the battery requires replacement or recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source as a separate, replaceable component within the tag assembly. This design allows the battery to be independently removed and replaced without affecting other tag components, simplifying maintenance and extending the tag's operational lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from passive to active tag operation by changing the power state parameter from zero (passive) to non-zero (active with battery). This parameter change enables standalone operation but introduces battery maintenance requirements, which are mitigated by the replaceable battery design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power transfer is initiated by the tag, then the lock can operate without external power supply, but the tag consumes more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or pulsed RF field transmission rather than continuous transmission. The tag activates the RF field only during authentication sequences, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the capability to independently power the lock when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power transmission parameter from continuous high-power output to controlled pulsed output. This parameter optimization allows the tag to provide sufficient power for lock operation during critical moments while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods, extending battery life.
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
Enables convenient and battery-efficient wireless operation of electromechanical locks using a standalone NFC tag, ensuring secure authentication and operation without the need for external power or mobile phone assistance.
Implementation Method 1
A battery inside the tag provides an electric current to the controller and/or to the short-range communication transceiver
Implementation Method 2
The short-range communication transceiver is configured to initiate a power transfer to a powerless electromechanical lock
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a tag for opening a powerless electromechanical lock are provided. The tag comprises a power source, a near field communication transceiver, an antenna connected to the transceiver, an proximity switch and a controller. The switch is configured to wake up the controller from a low power mode upon a detection of a predetermined signal. The controller is configured after the wake up to activate the near field communication transceiver and control the transceiver to transmit via the antenna wirelessly first operating power to the lock for communication and authentication, perform authentication with the lock and, provided that the authentication is successful, control the transceiver to transmit wirelessly second operating power to the lock for the lock to be set into an openable state.