Compact Electronic Cam Lock for Office Furniture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple, reliable, and compact electronic lock that can fit into small spaces in cabinets and furniture, offering a low-profile aesthetic appearance, and capable of using a keypad or wireless devices without contact, to replace traditional cam and plunger locks in office furniture.
Innovation Solution
A compact electronic cam lock system that fits within the top rail of a steel file cabinet, featuring a keypad or wireless access, a rotary knob, and a cam lock cylinder unit, with optional battery power and network connectivity, allowing for secure and efficient operation without additional back-side electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional cam locks are used in office furniture, then the locking mechanism is simple and reliable, but the lock size is large and protrudes from the furniture surface
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic components are nested within the cam lock housing, with the circuit board, battery compartment, and access terminal all contained inside the existing lock body. This nesting approach allows the electronic functionality to be integrated without increasing the overall lock profile or requiring additional space on the furniture surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines traditional mechanical cam lock functionality with electronic access control in a single integrated unit. The electronic terminal, keypad, and cam lock mechanism are merged into one device, eliminating the need for separate electronic locking components that would increase the lock profile.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic locking devices with keypads and ID devices are installed, then access control capability is improved, but the device size and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic terminal is designed to accept multiple types of access credentials including keypads, RFID cards, and biometric sensors within a single device. This multi-functionality provides versatile access control capabilities without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby avoiding increased installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic lock includes self-programming capabilities where the access terminal can store and manage multiple user credentials automatically. The system performs self-configuration and credential management without requiring complex external programming equipment or specialized installation procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional electronics are added to the back side of the lock, then functionality is enhanced, but the installation complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all electronic components from the back side of the lock and consolidates them within the front housing. The circuit board, power management, and access terminal are all contained within the visible lock body, eliminating the need for additional electronics installation on the back side of the furniture.
Solution Approach 2:
All electronic subsystems including the access terminal, power management circuitry, and communication modules are merged into a single integrated circuit board that fits within the lock housing. This consolidation provides enhanced functionality without requiring separate electronic components to be installed on the back side.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electronic cam lock accessible either by PIN code or wirelessly transmitted code from a user' s credential has a compact electronics housing that fits neatly and unobtrusively in office furniture, including metal or wood file cabinets. The housing has a rear-extending driver, which may be within a cylinder, preferably positioned where the driver of a cam lock of conventional keyed configuration would be located. One form of the lock is front-recess mounted. In another form the housing is inside-mounted, fitted within the usually one-inch top rail or vertical side rail of a file cabinet, with the electronic access terminal and a rotatable knob exposed for the user. The locks can be connected in a wired or wireless network for controlling access by time or by personnel, or for auditing entries.