Contactless Access Control With Wireless-Powered Electronic Locks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic access control systems are prone to failure when power sources are disconnected, rendering them inoperable and requiring physical intervention for operation.

Innovation Solution

An electronic lock system that operates using electromagnetic radiation and optical light as power sources, transmitting wireless digital data and power signals to actuate the lock mechanism without physical connections, utilizing a processor, memory, and a power management module to manage energy efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electronic access control systems use batteries or external power sources, then the systems can operate independently, but the systems stop operating at inopportune times when power is depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic lock serves itself by harvesting power from the environment through the photovoltaic cell. The system does not require external batteries or power sources, instead it generates its own power from incident light, eliminating the reliability issue of power depletion while maintaining independent operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power source parameter from stored chemical energy (batteries) to converted optical energy (photovoltaic). This parameter change allows continuous operation as long as light is available, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If electronic access control systems use wired power connections, then continuous power supply is ensured, but the systems require physical connections and are cumbersome to install

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power supplyVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired power connection system with an optical power transmission system using photovoltaic cells. This substitution eliminates the need for physical power connections while ensuring continuous power supply through environmental light harvesting, thereby simplifying installation and improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The photovoltaic cell serves multiple functions: it acts as both the power source and the interface for receiving power wirelessly from the environment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power wiring while ensuring continuous operation, resolving the contradiction between reliable power supply and installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If electronic locks require power connections to operate, then the lock mechanism can be actuated reliably, but the systems are rendered inoperable when power sources are disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock actuation reliabilityVSAvoidpower source independence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic lock becomes self-sufficient by incorporating a photovoltaic cell that harvests power from the environment. This self-service capability allows the lock to operate reliably without external power connections, adapting to various installation environments and resolving the contradiction between actuation reliability and power source independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power acquisition parameter from requiring external connections to harvesting from environmental light sources. This parameter change enables the lock to maintain reliable operation while gaining versatility in installation locations and power source independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 secure and reliable access control without the need for continuous power connections, reducing power consumption and maintaining system functionality even when disconnected from traditional power sources.

Implementation Method 1

a photovoltaic cell configured to convert optical light to power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnetic radiation transmitter configured to transmit a wireless power signal to the electronic lock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250308303A1Contactless electronic access control system

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 LOCKFOB LLC

AI summary

An embodiment of an electronic access control system includes an electronic access apparatus, an electronic lock, and an access control administration program. The electronic access apparatus provides a wireless power signal and a wireless digital data signal to the electronic lock. The wireless power signal can be the only source of power used by the electronic lock to actuate an electronic lock mechanism. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism includes a piezoelectric latch.