Capacitive Programming Adapter for Locking Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronically controlled locking devices require complex and costly programming processes, often necessitating a wired connection to a PC, which is cumbersome and not easily adaptable for wireless or mobile programming.

Innovation Solution

A device with a first interface for receiving data from a smartphone or tablet and a second interface for capacitive data transmission to electronically controlled locking devices or transponders, allowing for wireless programming and eliminating the need for a wired connection, with optional wireless energy supply and a compact, attachable design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wired connection programming device is used, then programming capability is achieved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming operationVSAvoidprogramming device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the smartphone (with its complex processing capabilities) and the programming device into a single integrated unit. The smartphone's processor executes programming operations while the capacitive interface enables direct communication with the locking device, eliminating the need for separate complex programming equipment and wired connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a capacitive coupling interface. Instead of using physical wires and connectors between the programming device and the locking device, the system uses capacitive fields to establish communication, thereby simplifying the mechanical structure and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If a complex programming device with wired connection is used, then programming functionality is provided, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming device productionVSAvoidprogramming device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The smartphone serves multiple functions: it acts as both a universal computing device for the user and a specialized programming device for locking devices. By leveraging the smartphone's existing processor, display, and input capabilities, the system eliminates the need to manufacture separate dedicated programming devices for different applications, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the smartphone's existing hardware architecture and processing capabilities as a template for the programming device functionality. Instead of designing and manufacturing a completely new specialized device, the system copies and adapts the smartphone's universal capabilities to perform programming tasks, significantly reducing development and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If capacitive interface is added to smartphone, then wireless programming capability is achieved, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming capabilityVSAvoidinterface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a capacitive interface as an intermediary between the smartphone and the locking device. This interface layer enables wireless communication through capacitive coupling without requiring complex internal modifications to the smartphone's core architecture. The capacitive interface acts as a bridge that adds programming capability while maintaining relative structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If wired connection is used for programming, then data transmission is reliable, but operation convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmissionVSAvoidprogramming operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection with a capacitive coupling system that maintains reliable data transmission through electromagnetic field coupling. The capacitive interface provides sufficient signal integrity for programming operations while eliminating the physical constraints of wired connections, thereby improving operation convenience without sacrificing transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables simple, cost-effective, and convenient programming of locking devices and transponders using smartphones or tablets, facilitating easy handling and bidirectional data transmission for programming and diagnostics.

Implementation Method 1

a second interface (14) coupled up to the first interface (12) for capacitive data transmission (K, K') to an electronically controlled locking device (400) and/or a transponder (500)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4071730A1Device, arrangement and set

Publication Date: 2022.10.12 BKS

Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) with a first interface (12) for receiving data from a smartphone (300) or tablet and a second interface (14) coupled to the first interface (12) for capacitive transmission of data to an electronically controlled locking device (400) and/or a transponder (500).