Electromagnetic Generator for Electronic Locking System Haptic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic locking systems require battery replacement for vibration motors, adding complexity, cost, and space, and are not energy efficient, which complicates user experience and system reliability.

Innovation Solution

An electronic locking system utilizing an electromagnetic generator powered by user movement to provide haptic feedback, eliminating the need for dedicated vibration motors and batteries, and using energy harvesting to power both the generator and control system for feedback and authorization processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vibration motor and battery are added to provide haptic feedback, then user feedback is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser feedbackVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic generator is designed to perform dual functions: generating electrical energy to power the control system and providing haptic feedback to the user through controlled electromagnetic forces. This eliminates the need for separate vibration motors and batteries, reducing system complexity while maintaining feedback capability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the power generation function and haptic feedback function into a single electromagnetic generator assembly. The generator's electromagnetic field serves both purposes: powering the control electronics and delivering tactile feedback to the user, thereby merging multiple components into one integrated unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a battery is used to power the vibration motor, then haptic feedback is available, but maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedbackVSAvoidbattery replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic generator is powered by mechanical energy harvested from the user's own interaction with the locking system (turning the knob or actuating element). This self-powered approach eliminates the need for replaceable batteries, as the system generates its own power from user input, thereby eliminating maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional electronic locking systems are used, then locking function is provided, but energy efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is powered by an electromagnetic generator that harvests mechanical energy from the user's actuating movements. This energy harvesting approach eliminates the need for continuous battery power, significantly improving energy efficiency while maintaining reliable locking functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power source parameter from chemical energy (battery) to mechanical energy harvesting through electromagnetic induction. The generator converts the mechanical motion of the actuating element into electrical energy, optimizing energy utilization and improving overall system efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If additional components are added for vibration motor and battery, then haptic feedback is achieved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedbackVSAvoidsystem space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic generator integrates multiple functions (power generation and haptic feedback) into a single compact assembly, eliminating the need for separate vibration motors and batteries. This consolidation significantly reduces the overall volume required for the locking system while maintaining full feedback functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system achieves a simple, cost-effective, compact, and energy-efficient design by using user-generated energy for both power and feedback, reducing the need for battery replacement and minimizing components, enhancing user experience and system reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic generator comprising a stator and a rotor, the rotor being arranged to be rotationally driven relative to the stator at least temporarily during the actuating procedure by movement of the actuating element to thereby generate electric energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the feedback is a haptic feedback in the actuating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12077989B2Arrangement for electronic locking system, and electronic locking system
Publication Date: 2024.09.03 ASSA ABLOY AB
  • US12077989B2 patent drawing
  • US12077989B2 patent drawing
  • US12077989B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An arrangement (10) for an electronic locking system (24), the arrangement (10) comprising an actuating element (12) arranged to perform an actuating procedure (18) by means of manual manipulation by a user; an electromagnetic generator (14) comprising a stator (20) and a rotor (22), the rotor (22) being arranged to be rotationally driven relative to the stator (20) at least temporarily during the actuating procedure (18) by movement of the actuating element (12) to thereby generate electric energy; and an electronic control system (16) arranged to be electrically powered by the generator (14); wherein the control system (16) is arranged to control a provision of feedback to the user; and wherein the feedback is a haptic feedback in the actuating element (12), a sound signal, a light signal, or combinations thereof. An electronic locking system (24) comprising the arrangement (10) is also provided.