Battery-Free Access Locking With Push-Button Power Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-wired mechatronic access control systems require batteries for their electronics and lock actuators, leading to costs, environmental impact, and recycling challenges.

Innovation Solution

An access control system that generates power through mechanical energy transformation using a power-generating motor and clutch mechanism, eliminating the need for batteries by converting user-applied mechanical movement into electrical power to operate the control circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If batteries are used to power the control circuit and lock actuator, then the access control system can operate continuously, but the system incurs ongoing costs, environmental impact, and maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental impact and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system generates its own power through the clutch mechanism that converts mechanical energy from the push button actuation into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external battery power sources and ongoing maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch mechanism dynamically engages and disengages based on the state of the push button, allowing mechanical energy to be converted to electrical energy only when needed during actuation, rather than requiring continuous battery power

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If batteries are installed in the access control system, then the electronic components can function, but the batteries require periodic replacement and recycling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidbattery replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system generates its own power through mechanical actuation of the clutch mechanism, eliminating the need for periodic battery replacement and associated time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a power-generating system with clutch mechanism is implemented, then battery dependence is eliminated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery eliminationVSAvoidmechanical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch mechanism is integrated with the existing push button actuation mechanism, combining the locking function and power generation function into a single mechanical assembly, thereby reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Eliminates battery dependence, reducing costs and environmental impact while ensuring fast operation and low power consumption, with additional features like event logging and emergency manual opening.

Implementation Method 1

a power-generating system which is equipped with a rotating element, a clutch mechanism and a power-generating motor, so that the rotating element is connected to the power-generating motor through the clutch mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12406542B2Access control system
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 OJMAR
  • US12406542B2 patent drawing
  • US12406542B2 patent drawing
  • US12406542B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An access control system includes a control circuit (7), a push button (4) that can be moved from a distal position to a proximal position, aided by an elastic element (4.d) to keep it in the distal open position, a tab (3), configured to be moved by means of the push button (4), and establish the closure of the access, a locking device (5) for locking the closed position of the tab (3), an access identification element that communicates with the control circuit (7) that locks the closed position of the tab (3) when the control circuit (7) identifies the access element, characterized by comprising a rotating element that rotates when the push button (4) is actuated, a clutch mechanism (6.c) that transmits the rotating movement of the rotating element to a power-generating motor (6.a) to power the control circuit (7) when the push button (4) is actuated, avoiding the use of battery.