Deadbolt Lock Visual Feedback LED Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless door locks lack visual feedback mechanisms, making it difficult for users to confirm whether the lock has successfully locked or unlocked without physical interaction, which can lead to uncertainty and potential security issues.
Innovation Solution
A deadbolt lock assembly with a wireless device and a visual feedback system using a horizontal linear array of LEDs that illuminate in specific sequences to indicate locking and unlocking actions, along with audible tones and color changes to provide confirmation and error communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless lock mechanism is used to lock/unlock the door remotely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the user loses physical feedback confirmation that the lock has successfully engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements LED indicators that provide visual feedback to confirm the lock's operational status. When the lock engages or disengages, corresponding LEDs illuminate to provide real-time feedback to the user, resolving the information loss caused by remote wireless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different colored LEDs (e.g., green for locked, red for unlocked) to communicate lock status through color changes. This allows the user to quickly understand the lock state without physical interaction, maintaining ease of wireless operation while providing clear status information.
2Loss of information
If multiple LEDs are added to provide comprehensive visual feedback, then the information communication capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lock status information into discrete segments represented by individual LEDs in a linear array. Each LED represents a specific status condition, allowing comprehensive information communication through simple, modular visual elements rather than a complex single indicator system.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear array of LEDs serves multiple functions: indicating locked/unlocked status, showing battery level, and providing error codes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate indicators for each status type, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive information communication.
3Loss of information
If sequential LED illumination patterns are used to indicate different statuses, then the information differentiation is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic sequential illumination patterns where LEDs light up in sequence to indicate different statuses. The patterns are time-limited and repeat only when status changes occur, rather than continuous illumination, thereby differentiating statuses while controlling energy consumption through periodic rather than continuous operation.
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
The system effectively communicates the locking and unlocking status to the user through visual and auditory cues, enhancing user confirmation and facilitating troubleshooting of errors such as low battery levels, thereby improving user experience and security.
Implementation Method 1
The exterior assembly may comprise a face plate, a keyway, and does comprise a plurality of LEDs. The plurality of LEDs is aligned in a (horizontal) linear array... The plurality of LEDs comprises at least three LEDs and illuminates in an LED illumination sequence
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A deadbolt lock assembly for engaging a door with a visual feedback feature on the exterior assembly of the lock. A plurality of LEDs may be positioned in a linear array on the exterior assembly and may illuminate in a sequence to communicate the movement of the latch when the latch moves away from a door jamb into a locked position. The plurality of LEDs may also illuminate in a sequence to communicate the movement of the latch when the latch moves toward a door jamb into an unlocked position. Additionally, the plurality of LEDs may also be illuminated in a pattern to communicate when the power level in the battery of the deadbolt lock assembly is low.