BLE Electronic Lock Messaging for Custom Device Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic lock systems are limited in their ability to communicate with and integrate custom or non-standard electronic devices, making it difficult to expand their functionality beyond specific designs.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication to enable wireless interaction between electronic locks, mobile devices, and other wireless devices, allowing for customizable messages and actions in response to triggering events, such as door openings or tampering, and enabling integration with various devices without manufacturer-specific requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing electronic lock systems use standard communication protocols, then the lock system operates reliably with designed devices, but custom or non-standard electronic devices cannot be integrated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice integration capabilityVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic lock is equipped with both a standard communication interface (for reliable communication with designed devices) and a wireless communication interface (for integrating custom devices). The system can selectively use different communication protocols based on the device type, enabling universal compatibility while maintaining reliability with standard devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary that receives commands from various devices through different communication interfaces, processes them, and executes appropriate actions. This mediator approach allows the lock to handle both standard and custom devices without compromising the reliability of core locking functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing electronic lock systems are designed for specific devices, then the system maintains simple architecture, but integrating custom devices becomes difficult or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustom device integrationVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic lock incorporates multiple communication interfaces (standard and wireless) within a single device, enabling it to work with both traditional and custom devices. This multi-functional design allows custom device integration without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects which communication interface to use based on the type of device attempting to communicate with the lock. This dynamic adaptation allows the lock to maintain simple operation for standard devices while providing integration capabilities for custom devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing electronic lock systems require manufacturer-provided equipment, then the system ensures reliable operation, but flexibility in device selection is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice selection flexibilityVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic lock automatically detects the type of device attempting to communicate and selects the appropriate communication protocol without requiring manual configuration or manufacturer-specific setup. This self-service capability enables flexible device selection while simplifying the manufacturing and deployment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3958471A1Wireless electronic lock system and method
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC
  • EP3958471A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3958471A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3958471A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is described an apparatus, comprising an electronic lock (102) configured to determine whether a triggering event has occurred, the triggering event being selected from a plurality of triggering events. The apparatus is further configured to generate a Bluetooth message (110) based on the triggering event, as well as identify a first wireless device (104, 108) within Bluetooth communication range of the electronic lock (102) to receive the Bluetooth message (110). The apparatus is additionally configured to transmit the Bluetooth message (110) to the first wireless device (104, 108) via Bluetooth communication in response to the triggering event and when the first wireless device (104, 108) is within Bluetooth communication range of the electronic lock (102).