Battery-Free Electronic Lock With Wireless Key And Code Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic locks rely on battery power, necessitating frequent replacements and are inconvenient for consumers, and existing NFC locks require a specific physical object for unlocking, lacking flexibility and ease of installation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock with a wireless key interface, code input interface, energy storage, and energy converter that converts mechanical energy from a rotatable member into electrical energy, eliminating the need for batteries and allowing multiple access methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery power is used to operate electronic locks, then the lock can function with electronic components, but periodic battery replacement or recharging is required which is inconvenient and environmentally unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system serves itself by harvesting mechanical energy from user interactions (knob rotation, button pressing, handle turning) to generate and store electrical energy in a capacitor, eliminating the need for external battery replacement or recharging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a mechanical energy harvesting system that converts kinetic energy from user interactions into electrical energy through piezoelectric or electromagnetic generators, storing it in a capacitor for powering electronic components
2Adaptability or versatility
If NFC technology is used for unlocking, then wireless access is enabled, but a specific physical object (electronic key) is required which limits flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system integrates multiple access methods including NFC wireless communication, mechanical key insertion, and traditional code input, allowing users to choose different access methods based on their needs and eliminating the requirement for a specific physical electronic key
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic locks are designed with multiple access methods, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple access methods (NFC interface, mechanical key cylinder, code input interface with rotatable member and buttons) into a single integrated lock body, allowing all functions to be installed in one location without requiring separate devices or complex multi-component installation
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 battery-free, easy-to-install electronic lock with intuitive user interfaces for access control, using energy harvesting from user interaction to power components and support both electronic key and access code inputs.
Implementation Method 1
an energy converter, for converting mechanical energy, from when the rotatable member is rotated, to electrical energy stored in the energy storage device
Implementation Method 2
a wireless key interface enabling the electronic lock to receive energy from an electronic key
Data Source
Figure 1~3C
Figure 4~9
AI summary
It is provided an electronic lock (12) comprising: a wireless key interface (30) enabling the electronic lock (12) to receive energy from an electronic key (2) and to communicate with the electronic key (2); a code input interface (4); an access controller (36) configured to grant or deny access; a rotatable member (6); an energy storage device (7) for storing electrical energy, wherein the energy storage device (7) is configured to store energy for powering the code input interface (4) to accept user input for the access code, and for powering the access controller (36) to grant or deny access; and an energy converter (8), for converting mechanical energy, from when the rotatable member is rotated, to electrical energy stored in the energy storage device (7).