Battery-Powered Electromechanical Door Lock with Embedded Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart door lock technologies face issues with unsightly and prone-to-failure hardwired electrical circuits and battery-dependent solutions, which require custom installation and frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring and control system that integrates sensors and geofencing to manage occupancy states and control smart appliances, including door locks, using wireless communication and battery-free electromechanical locking mechanisms with embedded sensors for real-time monitoring and automated control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired electrical circuits are used to power the lock assembly, then the lock can operate continuously, but the wiring harness is unsightly, prone to deterioration and failure, and requires custom retrofitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hardwired electrical circuit from the door assembly entirely. Instead of embedding wiring harnesses in the door and door jamb, the system uses a portable power source (battery) that can be easily replaced, eliminating the complex and failure-prone hardwired installation while maintaining continuous operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly is divided into separable components: the electromechanical lock mechanism mounted on the door, and the portable power source that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the power source to be maintained without affecting the lock mechanism itself, reducing overall system complexity
2Use of energy by moving object
If hardwired electrical circuits are installed in the door, then power can be provided to the lock, but custom retrofitting of the door and door jamb is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power delivery function from the fixed hardwired infrastructure and implements it through a portable battery-powered unit. This eliminates the need for custom retrofitting of doors and door jams, as the power source can be freely positioned and connected without modifying the building structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a portable power source as an intermediary between the power supply and the lock mechanism. This intermediary can be easily connected and disconnected without requiring permanent modifications to the door or jamb, simplifying installation and future maintenance
3Device complexity
If batteries are used to power the lock assembly, then hardwired circuits are eliminated, but batteries require replacement when discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be easily maintainable by the end user. The battery can be replaced without requiring technical expertise or special tools, allowing users to perform maintenance themselves. This minimizes downtime and eliminates the need for professional service intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The power source is designed as a dynamic, replaceable component rather than a fixed installation. The battery can be quickly swapped out when discharged, and the system includes features like low-battery warnings to prompt timely replacement, minimizing operational disruption
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
Enhances the reliability and aesthetics of door locking systems by eliminating hardwired circuits and battery dependence, providing efficient and automated control through sensor-integrated monitoring and geofencing, ensuring secure and convenient operation.
Implementation Method 1
An electromechanical lock mechanism mounted on the door performs locking and unlocking operations on the door when it receives instructions
Data Source
AI summary
A hinged object, such as a door, window, gate, lid, etc., comprises a first hinge, a second hinge, and an electromechanical locking device mounted on or in the hinged object. A first electrical wire is embedded in the hinged object that couples the electromechanical locking device to the first hinge, the first hinge to couple to a low-voltage power source to supply low-voltage electrical current to the electromechanical locking device via the first electrical wire. A second wire is embedded in the hinged object that couples the electromechanical locking device to the second hinge, the second hinge to couple to the low-voltage power supply to return low-voltage electrical current from the electromechanical locking device to the low-voltage power supply via the second electrical wire.