Electromechanical Lock Wireless Power and Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical lock systems face challenges in key and security token distribution, leading to cumbersome handling and energy consumption issues, particularly in battery-powered solutions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a wireless communication device with Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities, allowing the electronic key to wirelessly open an electromechanical lock by using the communication device as a part of the user's personal wireless communication device, which can power the lock and authenticate access, reducing energy consumption and simplifying key management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery is installed inside the lock to enable electromechanical functionality, then the lock can provide better security and control, but the energy consumption increases and the operating time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system enables self-powered operation by harvesting energy from the mechanical interaction between the key and lock. The user-powered mechanism converts mechanical work during key insertion or door opening into electrical energy to power the electromechanical functions, eliminating the need for separate batteries inside the lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with an electromechanical system that uses wireless communication and electronic control. The mechanical key interaction is substituted with wireless authentication and electronic actuation, reducing the need for physical key distribution while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If multiple keys and security tokens are distributed to users, then access control is improved, but the handling and management of keys and tokens becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical keys with wireless communication-based access control. Instead of distributing multiple physical keys, the patent uses wireless authentication mechanisms where users present their identity through wireless communication, eliminating the need for physical key duplication and distribution while maintaining access control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical key distribution system with an electronic wireless authentication system. The physical key interaction is replaced with wireless communication protocols that authenticate users without requiring physical key exchange, simplifying key management while maintaining security.
3Ease of operation
If a wireless communication device with NFC capabilities is used for keyless access, then key management is simplified, but the lock requires external power supply or battery
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system compensates for the energy consumption of wireless communication by harvesting mechanical energy from the user's interaction with the lock. The self-powered mechanism converts the mechanical work of opening the door or interacting with the lock into electrical energy to power the wireless communication and authentication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single interaction: the mechanical key interaction serves both as the traditional locking mechanism and as the power source for the wireless communication system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate power supplies while enabling keyless access capabilities.
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 minimizes energy consumption, enables self-powered lock solutions, and provides a long operating time for battery-powered locks, while simplifying key management and enhancing security through efficient authentication and access control.
Implementation Method 1
The key is carried by a person as a part of his wireless communication device and it may be provided with a Near Field Communications (NFC) device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an electromechanical lock comprising: an electronic circuitry (142) for storing a challenge, providing a wireless interface (126) for a communication device (106) to read the challenge, receiving and storing a response from the communication device (106), and authenticating the response, and for issuing an open command provided that the authentication is successful, the circuitry (142) being configured to receive wirelessly from the communication device (106) operating power for communication with the communication device and to store the response. The lock comprises an actuator (124) to receive the open command and to set the lock in a mechanically openable state, and a user interface (108) configured to receive input from a user, the user interface activating operating power for the authenticating and opening operations.