Backup Door Unlock Mechanism Using NFC Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Keyless entry systems in vehicles face challenges when the primary unlocking mechanism becomes unavailable, such as power source depletion or mechanical key issues, leading to unauthorized access risks and operational complications.
Innovation Solution
A keyless door latch system with a secondary unlocking component powered by an external energy source, utilizing near-field communication protocols and a clutch mechanism to transfer energy from a keyless remote for backup unlocking, enabling operation without onboard power and reducing reliance on mechanical keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a keyless entry system is implemented without mechanical lock hardware, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when the power source becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a backup mechanical key cylinder as a preventive measure against power source failure. This mechanical backup is integrated into the door latch assembly, allowing physical key access to the interior door handle when the electronic keyless entry system becomes unavailable due to power depletion or system failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The door latch system is divided into two independent subsystems: an electronic keyless entry system and a mechanical key backup system. The mechanical key cylinder is positioned on the interior door handle, separate from the main exterior locking mechanism, allowing independent operation of each subsystem.
2Reliability
If a mechanical key backup is added to the keyless entry system, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical key cylinder is integrated into the interior door handle assembly, merging the backup key function with the existing door handle structure. This integration allows the mechanical and electronic systems to share common structural elements, reducing the overall complexity increase.
3Ease of manufacture
If the mechanical lock hardware is completely removed, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional exterior mechanical lock cylinder is removed from the door assembly, extracting only the essential locking function to the electronic system. However, a simplified mechanical key cylinder is retained on the interior handle for backup access, providing a balance between manufacturing simplicity and repairability.
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
Provides a low-power, secure, and efficient backup unlocking mechanism that minimizes power transfer time, reducing the complexity of the unlocking process and enhancing security by allowing external access in case of primary system failures or events.
Implementation Method 1
the receiver is a near-field communication (NFC) antenna capable of operating within NFC communication protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for unlatching a door from a frame, using a keyless door latch system, is provided. In one embodiment, a secondary unlocking component receives a signal and derives power from the signal to provide a power source for the keyless door latch system. A microcontroller generates a control signal and an actuator, in response to receiving the control signal, actuates the secondary unlocking component, which allows an energy source, from an exterior of the door, to be transferred to the keyless door latch system for the unlatching of the door.