Electromechanical Locking System Magnetic Clutch Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical locking devices face challenges due to high power requirements and size of actuation mechanisms, vulnerability to brute force attacks, and slow operation times, which limit their practicality and efficiency, especially when powered by battery sources.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical locking system with an electrically-operated clutch mechanism using a magnet and electrical coil, where the coil is energized by a key's power source to displace a blocking member, allowing engagement of locking formations, and featuring a lightweight locking member and urging means to prevent external shock-induced coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a blocking mechanism is designed to withstand large external forces to prevent brute force attacks, then security against brute force attacks is improved, but the blocking mechanism becomes relatively large and heavy, increasing actuator size and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional heavy mechanical blocking mechanism with a magnetic field-based locking system. The magnetic field provides the necessary resistance to brute force attacks without requiring large mechanical components, thereby reducing the weight and size of the blocking mechanism while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of force resistance from mechanical strength to magnetic field strength. By using magnetic fields instead of mechanical blocks, the system achieves high resistance to external forces with significantly reduced mass and dimensions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a heavy blocking device is used to ensure security, then resistance to external forces is improved, but the actuation time increases and the lock may stick if the user applies force before actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy mechanical blocking device with a lightweight magnetic field-based system that can be activated rapidly by an electromagnet. This substitution enables fast actuation speeds and eliminates the sticking problem that occurs with heavy mechanical devices when users apply force prematurely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses controlled periodic activation of the electromagnet to engage and disengage the locking mechanism rapidly. This allows for precise control of the locking state with minimal actuation time, preventing the sticking issue inherent in heavy mechanical systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a blocking mechanism is designed to withstand large external forces, then security is improved, but the actuator size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the energy-intensive mechanical actuator with an electromagnet-based system. The electromagnet consumes significantly less power to generate the necessary locking force compared to mechanical actuators designed to move heavy blocking mechanisms, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy delivery mechanism from high-power mechanical actuation to low-power electromagnetic actuation. The magnetic field can be generated and controlled with minimal energy input, dramatically reducing power consumption compared to mechanical systems that require continuous high-power input to maintain and change state.
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 solution reduces power consumption and size, enhances resistance to brute force attacks, and enables fast and reliable lock actuation, improving the practicality and efficiency of battery-powered electromechanical locking devices.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically-operated clutch mechanism using a magnet and electrical coil, where the coil is energized by a key's power source to displace a blocking member
Implementation Method 2
an electrically-operated clutch mechanism using a magnet and electrical coil
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An electromechanical locking system (8) comprises a lock (12) and a key (14). The lock includes a cylinder (16), an electronic control unit (18) which is housed within the cylinder, a tailpiece (20), and an electrically-operable clutch mechanism (22) which is housed within the cylinder (16). The cylinder (16) is rotatably mounted to a first component to be locked and the tailpiece includes an adaptor (24) which is operable to interfere with the movement of a second component to be locked to the first component. The control unit (18) draws power from the key and is operable to generate an actuation signal for actuating the clutch mechanism (22) which releasably connects the cylinder and the tailpiece when actuated, thereby causing them to become rotatably coupled.