Electronic Door Handle Layout for Reversible Code Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic door handles require complex biometric or RFID-based identification methods that are cumbersome and inflexible, especially in large buildings with varying access needs, and often necessitate manufacturing different designs for right- and left-hinged doors, increasing costs and installation complexity.

Innovation Solution

A door handle with dual operating units on opposite sides, allowing access code entry, featuring capacitive touchpads and illumination, and integrated sensors for easy visibility and energy efficiency, along with a control unit that activates only the top unit for code entry, supporting multiple identification methods including RFID and fingerprint scanning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If biometric or RFID-based identification methods are used, then security is improved, but the system becomes cumbersome and inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the identification system into multiple independent operating units (code entry unit, RFID unit, fingerprint unit) that can function separately. Each unit can be activated or deactivated based on specific access requirements, allowing flexible configuration of security measures without requiring all biometric methods to be always active, thus maintaining flexibility while ensuring security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit dynamically activates only the necessary operating units based on the access code entered by the user. This dynamic activation allows the system to adapt to different security requirements in real-time, making the system flexible while maintaining high security through selective activation of appropriate identification methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If different door handle designs are manufactured for right- and left-hinged doors, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing costs and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal door handle design where the operating units are arranged on opposite sides of the handle body. This arrangement allows the same handle design to be mounted on both right-hinged and left-hinged doors by simply changing the mounting position, eliminating the need for different designs for different door types. The control unit is configured to activate the appropriate operating unit based on the mounting position, maintaining full functionality while simplifying manufacturing and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If operating units are arranged on the front of the handle, then accessibility is improved, but visibility for code entry is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidvisibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from arranging operating units on the front surface of the handle to arranging them on the top surface. This dimensional change allows users to view the operating units from above while maintaining easy access. The control unit is configured to activate the operating unit based on the user's interaction, ensuring both accessibility and visibility are optimized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4711560A1Electronic door handle
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 CSANK CHRISTIAN
  • EP4711560A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4711560A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4711560A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic door handle (1) for keyless operation of an opening and/or closing mechanism (3) of a door (2), in particular an interior door. The door handle (1) comprises at least one handle (4), an electromechanical coupling device (15) with a coupling element (152) and an electromechanical drive (151) for moving the coupling element (152), a control unit (12) for evaluating identification and for controlling the electromechanical coupling device (15) after successful identification, and an electrical power supply (13). The electromechanical coupling device (15), the control unit (12), and the power supply (13) are arranged in the handle (4), and the handle (4) has an operating unit (61) via which identification can be carried out by entering an access code. The operating unit (61) is arranged on a first side (71) of the handle (4).Furthermore, a second operating unit (62) for entering the access code is provided on a second side (72) of the handle (4), which is opposite the first side (71). In the installed state of the door handle (1), the first side (71) and the second side (72) of the handle (4) are each arranged perpendicular to a door leaf of the door (2). This means that the electronic door handle (1) has an operating unit (61, 62) for entering the access code on both the first and second sides (71, 72), with the first and second sides (71, 72) of the handle (4) forming a top and a bottom of the handle (4) in the installed state of the door handle (1).