Configurable Electrical Connector Key for Door Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of electronic door locks with various sensors and actuators requires manual and labor-intensive wiring, making it costly and difficult to stock and deliver multiple configurations efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A configurable electrical connector key that separates the lock mechanism from the external wiring harness, allowing for easy connection and configuration of sensors and actuators by plugging into the lock, with a shaped housing and configurable circuit to match specific lock control systems and external units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual wiring is used to connect each sensor and actuator configuration, then the lock can be customized to meet specific customer requirements, but the labor cost and assembly time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connection system into a standardized lock body and interchangeable connector keys. Each connector key is a self-contained module with pre-configured wiring for specific sensor and actuator combinations. This segmentation allows the lock mechanism to remain standardized while the connector keys provide configuration variety, eliminating manual wiring for each customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector key design provides universality by creating a single standardized interface that can accommodate multiple configuration types. The standardized lock body with universal connector receptacle can work with various connector keys, each designed for different sensor/actuator combinations. This multi-functional approach allows one lock design to serve multiple customization needs without requiring manual reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different lock configurations are assembled individually with matching wiring harnesses, then each configuration can be precisely tailored to customer specifications, but the inventory complexity and stocking difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the complex wiring harness functionality into discrete, interchangeable connector key modules. Instead of managing complete pre-assembled locks with different wiring configurations, the system segments the variable portion (connector keys) from the standardized portion (lock body). This reduces inventory complexity by allowing separate stocking of standard lock bodies and various connector key types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the configuration-specific wiring and connection logic from the main lock assembly and places it into removable connector keys. This extraction allows the core lock mechanism to remain a simple, standardized unit that can be rapidly produced and stocked, while the extracted connector keys provide the configuration variety needed for different applications.
3Manufacturing precision
If hand-wired connections are made between the wiring harness and internal electronic lock components, then each configuration can be precisely matched, but the assembly cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector keys are pre-configured with the correct wiring, connections, and component assignments during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action ensures that when the connector key is installed in the field or during simple assembly, the connections are already correct and precise. The complex wiring work is performed once during connector key manufacturing rather than during lock assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector key acts as an intermediary component that bridges the standardized lock body and the external wiring harness. It contains the complex connection logic and wiring arrangements within a single replaceable module, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining precise connections. The intermediary absorbs the manufacturing complexity, leaving the main assembly process simple and rapid.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable electrical connector key for connecting an electronic door lock to an external unit, such as a lock monitoring or control system, includes a connector key housing shaped to engage the electronic door lock and a configurable circuit mounted within the connector key housing that makes a configured interconnection between selected components within the door lock and the external unit. The combination of an electrical connector key and an electronic door lock and a system and method including multiple differently configured electrical connector keys and one or more standardized electronic door locks allow selected sensors and functions of the door lock to be enabled by selecting an appropriately configured electrical connector key.