Adaptive electric dual-controlled intelligent lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intelligent letter box systems require complete replacement of traditional letter boxes and locks, leading to high costs, lengthy installation procedures, and lack of compatibility with traditional key unlocking and user needs, especially for elderly users who may not use mobile intelligent terminals.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive electric dual-controlled intelligent lock that integrates a mechanical clutching structure with an intelligent electronic control system, allowing for dual unlocking methods using both traditional keys and mobile intelligent terminals, and can be installed on existing mechanical letter lock cylinders without replacing the letter box, utilizing a PCB, motor, shifting lever, and wireless connectivity for remote control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical letter lock cylinders are completely replaced with intelligent letter box systems, then intelligent control functionality is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintelligent control functionalityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the intelligent locking system into two independent parts: the existing mechanical letter lock cylinder (which remains unchanged) and a separately installed intelligent control device. This segmentation allows the mechanical structure to be preserved while adding intelligent functionality through a modular approach, reducing installation complexity and avoiding complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intelligent control device is designed to be universally compatible with traditional mechanical letter lock cylinders through standardized mounting interfaces and universal control protocols. This multi-functionality enables the same intelligent controller to work with various mechanical lock types, facilitating easy integration without requiring custom solutions for each lock model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical letter lock cylinders are completely replaced with intelligent letter box systems, then intelligent control functionality is improved, but installation time and labor cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintelligent control functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The intelligent control device is pre-configured with mounting brackets, fastening components, and control software before installation. The device arrives ready-to-install with all necessary hardware pre-attached, eliminating the need for on-site assembly or customization. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces installation time and allows for quick deployment in existing letter box systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If traditional key unlocking systems are replaced with mobile intelligent terminal control, then automation level is improved, but user accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate for elderly users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system dynamically adapts to different user needs by supporting multiple unlocking modes: traditional mechanical key unlocking for users who prefer or require conventional methods, and mobile terminal control for users who want automated access. The system can switch between these modes based on user preference, age, and situation, ensuring accessibility for all user groups including elderly users who may not be comfortable with smartphone technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 the conversion of traditional letter boxes into intelligent systems with a simple installation process, maintaining key-based unlocking while allowing mobile terminal control and data collection, reducing waste and installation complexity, and accommodating diverse user needs.

Implementation Method 1

the intelligent electronic control structure comprises a PCB (printed circuit board), a motor and a shifting lever, wherein: the PCB is electrically connected with the motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the lock cylinder comprises two movable buckles, two springs and a bearing, wherein one end of each of the springs is fixed on the bearing, the other end of each of the springs is fixed on each of the movable buckles; a keyhole of the lock head is opposite to a locked groove defined by the movable buckles, the lock tongue is in detachable connection with the bearing, so that after being inserted into the keyhole of the lock head and then into the locked groove, a key is turned, the movable buckles respectively move in an elastic range of the springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11255108B2Adaptive electric dual-controlled intelligent lock
Publication Date: 2022.02.22 LEUNG MAN SHUN SERVER
  • US11255108B2 patent drawing
  • US11255108B2 patent drawing
  • US11255108B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An adaptive electric dual-controlled intelligent lock includes a mechanical clutching structure and an intelligent electronic control structure. The mechanical clutching structure includes a lock head, a lock cylinder and a lock tongue, wherein: the lock cylinder includes movable buckles, springs and a bearing. After being inserted into the keyhole of the lock head and then into the locked groove, a key is turned, the movable buckles move in an elastic range of the springs and drive the lock tongue connected with the bearing to swing, thereby realizing a mechanical unlocking process. The intelligent electronic control structure includes a PCB (printed circuit board), a motor and a shifting lever, wherein: a wireless control module is connected with an external mobile intelligent device; after the motor is started, the shifting lever pushes the movable buckles, so that the bearing drives the lock tongue to swing, thereby achieving an intelligent unlocking process.