Electronic Door Lock Haptic Feedback Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic locks face challenges in reliably signaling operating and error states due to environmental influences like sunlight and noise, making it difficult for users to recognize these states.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a vibration element driven by a driver element to generate different haptic signals through varying vibration patterns on the lock's handle, allowing for reliable and secure communication of operating and error states independent of environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical or acoustic signals are used to signal operating states, then the lock can communicate status information, but the signals are unreliable under environmental influences such as sunlight or noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical and acoustic signaling systems with a mechanical vibration-based haptic feedback system. The vibration element generates tactile vibrations through the handle that users can feel, substituting unreliable light and sound signals with reliable mechanical vibrations that are not affected by environmental conditions like sunlight or ambient noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves as an intermediary medium that transmits vibrations from the vibration element to the user's hand. This mechanical intermediary allows the system to communicate status information through tactile feedback while remaining isolated from environmental interference that would affect optical or acoustic signaling.
2Reliability
If multiple signaling methods are used to ensure reliable communication, then information can be transmitted more reliably, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle serves multiple functions: it is both the actuating element for operating the lock and the signaling medium for haptic feedback. The vibration element integrates with the handle structure, allowing the same component to both transmit user input and deliver status information, thereby avoiding the need for separate signaling mechanisms.
3Loss of information
If optical signals are used for status indication, then information can be transmitted, but the information becomes visible to third parties compromising security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visible optical signals with tactile mechanical vibrations that are localized to the user's hand. Since haptic feedback is transmitted through direct contact with the handle and perceived only by the user's sense of touch, it prevents information leakage to third parties who cannot feel the vibrations, thereby enhancing security.
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 method ensures reliable and detailed information transmission about the lock's status to the user, which is secure from third-party perception, enhancing usability and security in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration element can be embodied as a piezoelectric actuator
Implementation Method 2
an electrodynamic transmitter, in particular a lifting magnet
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic lock (10), in particular a door lock (11), comprising a handle (14, 16) for operating the lock (10), in particular the door lock (11), a vibration element (18) for generating vibrations (20), and a driver element (22) for driving the vibration element (18), is designed and further developed for reliable signaling of operating and/or fault states independent of prevailing environmental influences such that the vibration element (18) can be set into vibration by the driver element (22) in such a way that different haptic signals can be output at the handle (14, 16) to signal different operating states and/or fault states of the electronic lock (10). A method for outputting different haptic signals at the electronic lock (10) is described.