Configurable Electrical Connector Key for Electronic Door Locks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic door lock systems face challenges in efficiently connecting and configuring various sensors and actuators due to labor-intensive and costly manual wiring processes, particularly in constrained real estate, which complicates digital monitoring and electronic actuation.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable electrical connector system that allows for different configurations of sensors and actuators within an electronic door lock, enabling various functions by selecting and connecting a specific electrical connector key, which simplifies the connection process and reduces manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual wiring processes are used to connect sensors and actuators in electronic door locks, then electrical connections can be established, but the process becomes labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wiring system into modular components: a circuit board with pre-attached electrical connectors and a separate actuator assembly with corresponding connectors. This allows independent manufacturing and assembly of components, reducing manual wiring labor while maintaining connection reliability through standardized connector interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical connectors are pre-attached to the circuit board during manufacturing before final assembly with the actuator. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual wiring during assembly, reducing labor intensity and cost while ensuring proper electrical connections are established through the pre-configured connector interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor and actuator configurations are supported, then device versatility increases, but inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal connector interfaces and standardized mounting patterns that allow the same actuator and circuit board assemblies to support multiple sensor configurations. This universality enables a single base product to be adapted for different applications by simply changing which sensors are populated on the circuit board, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is designed with designated locations for different sensor types, allowing selective population of sensors based on the specific application requirements. This local quality approach enables customization of sensor configurations without requiring different complete assemblies, simplifying inventory management while supporting device versatility.
3Volume of moving object
If constrained real estate within the lock is utilized for electronic components, then compact design is achieved, but wiring routing becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the circuit board directly into the actuator assembly housing, nesting the electronic components within the existing mechanical structure. This nesting eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses routing through constrained spaces, as electrical connections are established through direct connector interfaces between nested components, maintaining compact design while simplifying wiring.
Data Source
AI summary
Locks, systems and methods of monitoring a lock, the lock having a hub with a slot rotatable by a handle to open and close a latchbolt. A locking member is moveable into and out of engagement with the hub slot to prevent and permit movement of the hub and latchbolt. A sensor on the lock, adjacent the hub and locking member, monitors a moving lock component. The sensor may sense the position of the locking member in or out of engagement with the hub slot. The sensor may be a reed switch actuated by a magnet on the moving lock component. The lock may further include a magnet mounted on the hub and the sensor may comprise a reed switch capable of being actuated by the magnet on the hub. The lock and system may include an external control unit having an alarm for controlling operation of the lock.