Integrated Door Lock Control Module Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door locking devices lack a compact and efficient electronic control solution that can seamlessly integrate with various electrical locking systems, requiring multiple components and separate power supplies, which complicates design and increases installation space and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A compact control device with integrated electronic components, including a programmable computing core, memory, and power supply, that can be directly connected to the power or control lines of door locking devices, eliminating the need for external driver modules and simplifying circuitry by directly controlling actuators and electromagnets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If electronic components are arranged on separate circuit boards or modules, then each component can be independently designed and manufactured, but the overall device size increases and installation space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent component design and manufacturingVSAvoidDevice size and installation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple electronic components (microcontroller, driver circuits, power management, I/O interfaces) into a single integrated circuit chip. This merging eliminates the need for separate circuit boards and modules, dramatically reducing the overall device volume while maintaining independent design capabilities through modular integration architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit is designed to control multiple types of electrical locking devices (electromagnets, motors, actuators) through unified driver circuits and interfaces. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace multiple specialized components, reducing installation space while maintaining manufacturing flexibility

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

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate electronic components and driver modules are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but the circuit complexity increases and more components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent component optimizationVSAvoidCircuit complexity and component quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines microcontroller, driver circuits, power management, and I/O interfaces into a single integrated circuit, reducing the component count from multiple separate modules to one unified device. This integration simplifies the circuit design while preserving independent optimization capabilities through internal module architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit incorporates universal driver circuits that can control multiple types of actuators (electromagnets, motors, actuators) through standardized interfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate driver modules for each actuator type, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining component optimization flexibility

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

3Use of energy by moving object

If separate power supply units are used for electronic components and actuators, then power management can be optimized for each load, but power consumption increases and more components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePower management optimizationVSAvoidPower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates power management functions directly into the integrated circuit, combining voltage regulation, current control, and power distribution in a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate power supply modules and reduces overall power consumption through optimized power delivery to different actuators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit acts as an intermediary between the power source and multiple actuators, providing intelligent power management through built-in driver circuits. This mediator function optimizes power distribution to each actuator based on its specific requirements, reducing energy loss while maintaining independent power optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If external driver components are used to control actuators, then actuator control can be optimized independently, but the device size increases and installation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent actuator control optimizationVSAvoidInstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates driver circuits directly into the integrated circuit, combining microcontroller and actuator control in a single unit. This eliminates the need for external driver components and simplifies installation to a single connection point, while maintaining independent actuator control optimization through internal driver architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit incorporates universal driver circuits capable of controlling multiple actuator types (electromagnets, motors, actuators) through standardized interfaces. This multi-functional driver design simplifies installation by providing a single control unit for all actuators while maintaining independent optimization capability

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

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

This solution enables a highly efficient and compact control system that reduces installation space, optimizes power usage, and simplifies circuit complexity, allowing for universal connectivity and easy integration with different locking devices, including door openers, locks, and tumblers, while providing protection against overvoltages.

Implementation Method 1

at least one analog power output and/or digital power output for controlling an actuator or an electromagnet or a motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP4080000B1Control device for electric locking devices of a door
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 ASSA ABLOY SICHERHEITSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4080000B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4080000B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4080000B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A control device (1) for electrical locking devices of a door (9), for example a door opener (82) or door lock (81), is proposed, wherein the control device (1) has at least one analog and/or digital input (13), at least one analog and/or digital output (14, 18), a programmable processing core (11), and an electronically writable memory (19). In order to create a control device (1) that is universally applicable, has a compact design, and is easy to manufacture, it is proposed that the electronic components of the control device (1) are all integrated into a single integrated module (2).