Electromechanical Lock Self-Programming via Master Key

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromechanical locks require complex programming systems involving separate devices or computer interfaces, making them impractical for private users with limited locking needs.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical lock with a user interface, memory for access tables, and electronic circuitry that allows programming using a master key and end function key for managing access rights without external devices or computer systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate programming device or computer interface is used for programming locks and keys, then access control functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoidprogramming system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the programming device, computer interface, and database storage into the lock itself. The lock contains an electronic circuit with a processor that can store access data locally and perform programming operations autonomously, eliminating the need for external programming devices or computer systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock is designed to be self-programming by accepting programming data directly from a key. The system can autonomously store access data in its memory, manage access tables, and control locking operations without requiring external programming equipment or human intervention through a computer interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate programming device or computer interface is used for programming locks and keys, then access control functionality is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoidprogramming operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the programming device, computer interface, and database storage into the lock itself. The lock contains an electronic circuit with a processor that can store access data locally and perform programming operations autonomously, eliminating the need for external programming devices or computer systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock is designed to be self-programming by accepting programming data directly from a key. The system can autonomously store access data in its memory, manage access tables, and control locking operations without requiring external programming equipment or human intervention through a computer interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If access data is stored in a computer system database, then centralized control is achieved, but loss of time occurs due to external device requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess data managementVSAvoidprogramming time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the database storage function from an external computer system and places it directly within the lock's electronic circuit. The lock contains local memory that stores access data and access tables, enabling autonomous operation without requiring external computer systems or networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock is pre-configured with the capability to store and process access data locally. When a key is inserted, the lock can immediately access its stored access tables and determine whether to grant access without requiring time-consuming external database queries or network communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8581690B2Electromechanical lock

Publication Date: 2013.11.12 ILOQ OY

AI summary

An electromechanical lock includes a user interface configured to receive input from a user, the user interface activating operating power for the lock; a memory configured to store access tables, the access tables including information on the keys allowed to open the lock; and an electronic circuitry configured to modify the access tables on the basis of the insertions of an associate master key and an end function key into the lock, the insertion of the associated master key initializing a programming mode and the insertion of an end function key causing the lock to exit the programming mode.