Battery-Free Suitcase Electronic Lock Using Inductive Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic locks for suitcases are problematic due to their power requirements, which can lead to non-operation when batteries drain, and they must be removed at airports, causing inconvenience and safety concerns, especially since mechanical locks can be easily destroyed.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent electronic lock system that uses a wireless sensor to generate an induction current, which is distributed to a microcontroller and driver via a current divider, eliminating the need for batteries and allowing operation without power, while conforming to aviation regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic lock with battery power is used, then the locking function is improved, but the lock cannot operate when power is depleted and must be removed at airports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery power source from the electronic lock system and replaces it with a wireless power transmission system. The lock body receives power wirelessly through electromagnetic induction, allowing the locking function to be maintained without a physical battery that depletes or requires removal at airports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical battery-powered system with a wireless electromagnetic power transmission system. Instead of using a physical battery that stores and depletes energy, the system uses electromagnetic fields to transmit power to the lock, eliminating the need for battery replacement or removal.
2Device complexity
If a mechanical lock is used, then the structure is simple, but the lock is easy to be deliberately destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical lock structure with an electronic lock that uses wireless power transmission. This substitution provides enhanced security features including wireless communication, electronic control mechanisms, and power management systems that are more resistant to deliberate destruction while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If an electronic lock with battery is used, then the locking function is improved, but the lock must be detached at airports due to aviation regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery from the lock system and replaces it with a wireless power reception system. This allows the lock to function as a purely electronic device without containing any battery, thereby complying with aviation regulations while maintaining the improved locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal lock system that can operate in various environments including airports and during travel. By eliminating the battery and using wireless power transmission, the lock becomes adaptable to different power sources and locations, enhancing its portability and compliance with various regulations.
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
The system provides a convenient and secure locking solution for suitcases that operates without batteries, ensuring functionality even without power and compliance with aviation regulations, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil which senses the induction signal to generate an induction current
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent electronic lock for receiving an identification signal and an induction signal includes a housing, a wireless sensor, a current divider, a microcontroller, a driver and at least one blocking element. The wireless sensor, the current divider, the microcontroller and at least one blocking element are disposed in the housing. An induction coil of the wireless sensor senses the induction signal to generate an induction current. The wireless sensor receives the identification signal. The current divider distributes the induction current to the microcontroller and the driver. The microcontroller obtains a target identification information from the identification signal. The microcontroller compares the target identification information with a reference identification information to output a control signal. The driver drives at least one blocking element to move between an unlocking position and a locking position. Based on the aforementioned description, the intelligent electronic lock is able to operate without power.