Interchangeable Electro-Mechanical Lock Core With Electronic Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mechanical lock systems are prone to security risks and inconvenience when a mechanical key is lost or compromised, requiring costly rekeying and key redistribution, and customers are hesitant to upgrade to electro-mechanical locks due to high costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An interchangeable electro-mechanical lock core with a moveable plug, clutch, and electronically controlled blocker, powered by a motor and electronic controller, which allows for secure and easy switching between locked and unlocked states using electronic credentials and physical inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mechanical lock systems are used, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but security is compromised when keys are lost and rekeying is required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with an electro-mechanical system that uses electronic controllers, motors, and electronic credentials (cards, fobs, or biometric data) to actuate the locking mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for physical keys and rekeying operations, thereby improving security while managing complexity through integration of electronic components within the lock core.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If electro-mechanical locks are implemented, then security is enhanced and key management is improved, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electronic control components (controller, motor, power source) with the traditional mechanical lock core into a single integrated electro-mechanical unit. By merging these previously separate systems into one cohesive lock assembly, the patent reduces overall system complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining enhanced security features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If mechanical keys are used for access control, then the system is simple to operate, but key loss requires rekeying and key redistribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidtime for key management
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical keys with electronic credentials (cards, fobs, or biometric sensors) that interface with an electronic controller. This substitution maintains ease of operation through simple card presentation or biometric authentication while eliminating the time-consuming processes of rekeying and key redistribution when access rights need to be changed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If interchangeable cores are used, then installation and removal is quick, but mechanical rekeying or re-pinning is still required when keys are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidkey management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements interchangeable electro-mechanical lock cores that can be quickly installed and removed from multiple lock devices, and simultaneously provides electronic key management capabilities. Each core contains its own electronic controller and credential verification system, allowing the same physical core to serve multiple functions across different lock installations while eliminating the need for mechanical rekeying through electronic credential management.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11933076B2Electro-mechanical lock core
Publication Date: 2024.03.19 DORMAKABA USA INC
  • US11933076B2 patent drawing
  • US11933076B2 patent drawing
  • US11933076B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An interchangeable electro-mechanical lock core for use with a lock device having a locked state and an unlocked state is disclosed. The interchangeable electromechanical lock core may include a moveable plug having a first position relative to a lock core body which corresponds to the lock device being in the locked state and a second position relative to a lock core body which corresponds to the lock device being in the unlocked state.