Conductive Fastener for Access Control Power Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for powering electro-mechanical and electronic access control devices, such as locks, rely on traditional cables that are difficult to install and prone to damage, requiring additional assembly steps and compromising durability.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connection system using a mechanical fastener that extends through a structural member to connect conductive components on either side, eliminating the need for traditional wires and ensuring a secure, durable power transmission path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cables are used for power transmission, then electrical connection is established, but installation difficulty increases and durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical fastening function and electrical conduction function into a single integrated component (the bolt). The bolt serves dual purposes: mechanically securing the door to the frame while simultaneously providing the electrical pathway for power transmission to the lock device, thereby eliminating the need for separate cables and simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bolt is designed as a multi-functional element that performs both structural support (mechanical fastening) and electrical conduction. This universal component replaces the traditional separate combination of fasteners and cables, reducing system complexity and improving both installation ease and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If cables are used for power transmission, then electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mechanical fastening function and electrical conduction function into a single integrated component (the bolt). The bolt serves dual purposes: mechanically securing the door to the frame while simultaneously providing the electrical pathway for power transmission to the lock device, thereby eliminating the need for separate cables and simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary cable component from the traditional power transmission system. By removing the cable and using the existing bolt structure for electrical conduction, the system reduces the number of parts and assembly steps required during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If traditional wiring methods are used, then power transmission is established, but susceptibility to damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to damageVSAvoidsusceptibility to damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies protective coatings or insulation layers to the bolt surface beforehand to prevent corrosion, oxidation, or electrical shorts. This preliminary protection ensures the bolt maintains its electrical conductivity and mechanical integrity over time, resisting environmental damage and extending service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This solution simplifies installation, enhances lock durability by providing a transparent power connection, and maintains electrical contact despite mechanical and environmental changes, such as temperature fluctuations.

Implementation Method 1

a mechanical fastener extending through said structural member and electrically connecting said first and second conductive components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8025537B2Electrically conductive component suited for use in access control devices

Publication Date: 2011.09.27 DORMAKABA USA INC

AI summary

An access control device (10) has an electronic/electric control unit (19) fed with electrical current via an electrically conductive fastener (28), such as the ones that also function to clamp the outdoor and indoor housings (15, 17) of the device (10) together against the opposed sides of a door (12) or the like.