Electromechanical Lock Self-Powered by Permanent Magnet Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical locks require significant electric power consumption, which is a limitation in user-powered and battery-powered designs, necessitating a solution to minimize power usage while maintaining security and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The electromechanical lock incorporates a user-powered design with a permanent magnet generator to produce electric power, combined with a secure authentication system using SHA-1 hash functions, and mechanical components like springs and levers to manage power and locking mechanisms, allowing for efficient operation with reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional electromechanical locks use external power supply or internal batteries, then the lock can operate with sufficient power, but the power consumption is high and requires frequent battery replacement or external power connection
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system generates its own power through a permanent magnet generator that converts mechanical energy from the key insertion and rotation into electrical energy. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources or internal batteries, allowing the lock to operate autonomously without frequent maintenance while maintaining sufficient power for authentication and actuation functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power generation based on the mechanical input from the user. The permanent magnet generator produces electricity only when mechanical energy is applied during key insertion and rotation, creating a dynamic power supply that matches the operational needs of the lock without requiring continuous power storage
2Use of energy by moving object
If a permanent magnet generator is added to generate power, then power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnet generator serves multiple functions: it generates electrical power for the electronic circuit, provides tactile feedback during key insertion, and validates the mechanical authentication process. By combining power generation with the existing mechanical authentication mechanism, the system adds functionality without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power generation mechanism is integrated into the existing key insertion and rotation mechanism. The permanent magnet generator is positioned within the lock body to be driven by the same mechanical movements used for authentication, merging the power generation function with the authentication function into a single integrated system
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 the electromechanical lock to operate effectively with minimal electric power, enhancing battery life in battery-powered models and reducing the need for external power sources in user-powered designs, while maintaining secure authentication and mechanical reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet generator (330) configured to generate electric power from mechanical power
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An electromechanical lock and its operation method is disclosed. The method comprises: reading (902) data from an external source; matching (904) the data against a predetermined criterion; providing (908) a fulcrum provided that the data matches the predetermined criterion; holding the lock by a locking pin, when engaged, in a locked state (914), and, when disengaged, in a mechanically openable state (916); and if the fulcrum is provided, levering (910) mechanical power with the fulcrum to the locking pin to mechanically disengage the locking pin.