Bezel-less Touch Panel Deadbolt with Battery Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic deadbolts with touch screens face issues of increased size and complexity due to mechanical key bypasses and bezels, which compromise aesthetic design and add cost, while also requiring more door surface area and being less efficient in power usage.
Innovation Solution
An electronic deadbolt controller with a compact, planar exterior touch panel that uses a flexible printed circuit board and electroluminescent material for input detection, eliminating the need for a mechanical key bypass and incorporating a battery backup system for power, thus reducing size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical key bypass is added to the electronic deadbolt, then reliability is improved (fail-safe measure for power outage), but device complexity increases and overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key bypass system with an electrical battery backup system. The battery backup power supply electrically powers the touch screen controller during power outages, eliminating the need for mechanical key components while maintaining reliability. This substitution reduces device complexity and overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery backup serves multiple functions: it provides power during outages, enables the touch screen to remain operational, and eliminates the need for separate mechanical key bypass components. This multi-functionality improves reliability while reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a mechanical key bypass is added to the electronic deadbolt, then reliability is improved (fail-safe measure for power outage), but the area of stationary object increases (requires more door surface)
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical battery backup system replaces the mechanical key bypass, which would require additional space on the door surface. The battery system integrates within the existing electronic deadbolt housing, maintaining a compact form factor that uses minimal door surface area while ensuring reliability during power outages.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a bezel is added to protect the touch overlay, then protection from impact and moisture is improved, but the area of stationary object increases (overall size of touch screen)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin adhesive layer to secure the touch overlay to the controller housing, providing protection without the bulk of a traditional bezel. This thin-film approach maintains a compact touch screen area while still protecting the overlay from impact and moisture through proper sealing and adhesive bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is merged into the adhesive bonding layer and housing structure rather than requiring a separate bezel component. The adhesive serves both as a mounting mechanism and as a protective seal against moisture and impact, eliminating the need for additional protective structures that would increase the touch screen area.
4Ease of operation
If traditional touch screen components are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but device complexity increases and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the touch overlay, adhesive layer, and controller housing into an integrated assembly. The adhesive serves multiple functions: mounting the touch overlay, providing structural support, and sealing against environmental factors. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining touch screen functionality and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer performs multiple functions simultaneously: structural bonding, environmental sealing, and optical clarity for touch input. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective bezels and gaskets, reducing device complexity while preserving the ease of operation of the touch screen interface.
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 solution provides a sleek, compact, and efficient electronic deadbolt that operates effectively in all weather conditions without a mechanical key bypass, optimizing door surface usage and reducing costs while maintaining reliable power supply through battery backup.
Implementation Method 1
The touch overlay may also include an electroluminescent material configured to both illuminate the touch panel and also detect the tactile input.
Implementation Method 2
The touch overlay preferably rests above the PCB housing cavity and is secured with an adhesive sealing the components within.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch screen electronic deadbolt includes a planar, exterior touch panel with a touch overlay for receiving tactile input for entry of an access code to engage and disengage a deadbolt. The touch panel is contained within a housing cavity of a rectilinear housing. A touch overlay rests above the housing cavity extending to the edge of the housing without the use of a bezel or frame, thus providing a sleek and low profile appearance. An interior escutcheon may be in communication with the exterior touch panel allowing a user to manually engage and disengage the deadbolt from within a dwelling.