Door Lock with Split Electronics for Small Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks for doors with small standard holes require a large rectangular hole for combination locks with electronic control units, limiting their installation and functionality, and there is a need for a lock that can block or release the rotary movement of a knob via an electronic control unit without a mechanical key for doors with small installation holes.
Innovation Solution
A lock with a housing containing an electronic control unit and a mechanical locking unit on the back of the door, featuring a rotatable knob with an antenna and circuit board that communicates with a transponder to verify locking authorization, allowing the rotary movement of the knob only after proper authorization, with the electronic components housed behind the door and the knob being the only visible control element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a combination lock with electronic control unit is installed, then electronic locking authorization verification is enabled, but a large rectangular hole must be provided in the door
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into two separate parts: a compact housing unit containing the electronic control unit and locking mechanism that fits within the small standard hole, and a separate knob assembly with antenna that interfaces with the transponder. This segmentation allows electronic authorization verification to be implemented without requiring a large rectangular hole in the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The knob assembly with circuit board and antenna is nested within or integrated with the compact housing that fits into the small standard hole. The rotor-side circuit board is positioned at the end of the rotor protruding from the door, with connecting parts making contact outside the door, allowing the electronic components to be housed within the confined space while maintaining external interface functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If only a small standard hole is provided in the door, then installation is simple and compact, but electronic control unit cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor assembly is designed to rotate within the confined space of the small standard hole, with the rotor-side circuit board positioned at the protruding end. The flexible connector allows dynamic movement during rotation while maintaining electrical connection, enabling the electronic control unit to function within the compact installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible connector is used to connect the rotor-side circuit board to the housing, allowing the connector to accommodate the rotational movement of the rotor while maintaining electrical connection. This flexible connection enables the electronic control unit to be housed within the small standard hole without compromising functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the rotor rotates, then unlocking is enabled, but the flexible connector may become loose or disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connector is specifically designed to accommodate the rotational movement of the rotor while maintaining continuous electrical connection. The flexibility of the connector allows it to bend and follow the rotation without disconnection, ensuring reliable signal and power transmission throughout the unlocking operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connector is pre-positioned and pre-tensioned to ensure it maintains contact during rotation. The connector is installed in a way that anticipates the rotational movement, ensuring continuous electrical connection is maintained throughout the unlocking cycle without requiring adjustment or risk of disconnection.
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, electronic locking and unlocking of doors with small standard holes, such as 16×19 mm, without the need for a mechanical key, suitable for retrofitting and use in various applications like cupboards, lockers, bathrooms, and schools, with a battery life supporting approximately 10,000 locking cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna can exchange signals with a transponder when the transponder approaches the knob in order to prove that the user of this transponder has appropriate locking authorization.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lock 10 for doors, compartments, and flaps, particularly for retrofitting doors with a small standard hole, such as a 16 x 19 mm mounting hole. It comprises a housing 20 with an electronic control unit and a mechanical locking unit, both located on the rear of the door. Only the knob 30, serving as a handle, is arranged and rotatably mounted on the front of the door. The knob 30 contains an antenna and a circuit board on the knob side. The antenna can exchange signals with a transponder when the transponder approaches the knob 30 to verify the user's authorization to open the door. The signals received by the antenna are forwarded via the circuit board on the knob side to a further circuit board 41 on the rotor side, and from this rotor-side circuit board 41 to a main circuit board located in the housing 20 behind the door.