Electronic Access Control With Wireless Power And Piezoelectric Latch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical access control systems are cumbersome and costly to administer, and existing electronic systems often require wired electrical connections and complex key management.
Innovation Solution
An electronic key with a rechargeable battery, memory device, and power management circuit that can operate an electronic lock using mechanical force, allowing for wireless operation and simplified administration, and a piezoelectric latch for secure bolt control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If mechanical access control systems are used, then no electrical energy is required, but the systems are costly and cumbersome to administer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-lock systems with an electronic access control system that uses electronic keys and locks. The electronic key includes a microcontroller, memory, and communication interface, while the electronic lock contains a controller, memory for storing key identifiers, and an actuator. This substitution eliminates the need for physical key distribution and manual lock replacement, thereby reducing administrative complexity while maintaining energy efficiency through battery-powered operation.
2Device complexity
If electronic access control systems are used, then administrative complexity is reduced, but wired electrical connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired electrical connections with a wireless power transfer mechanism. The electronic lock includes a power receiver that can wirelessly receive power from a power transmitter located in the electronic key or in the environment. This eliminates the need for hardwired electrical connections to the lock, simplifying installation while maintaining all electronic functionality including authentication, memory storage, and actuator control.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic lock is designed to harvest power from the environment or from the key itself through wireless power transfer. The power management circuit in the lock can store energy in a capacitor or rechargeable battery, allowing the lock to operate autonomously without external wiring. This self-powering capability reduces installation complexity while maintaining reduced administrative complexity.
3Ease of operation
If rechargeable battery is used in electronic key, then wireless operation is enabled, but energy efficiency must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic key and lock systems use periodic communication and authentication cycles rather than continuous operation. The microcontrollers in both key and lock enter low-power sleep modes between authentication events. The communication interface activates only when the key is presented to the lock, creating periodic bursts of energy consumption rather than continuous drain on the rechargeable battery. This periodic action pattern optimizes battery life while maintaining wireless operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters such as transmission power, data rate, and authentication frequency based on operational context. The power management circuit in the key regulates battery output voltage and current to match the instantaneous power requirements of the microcontroller, display, and communication interface. This parameter optimization reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable wireless operation.
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
Enables energy-efficient, wireless operation of electronic locks with simplified key management, reducing administrative complexity and costs while maintaining security.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric latch configured to secure the bolt in a fixed position when the piezoelectric latch is in a first state and to allow the bolt to move between a locked position and an unlocked position when the piezoelectric latch is in a second state
Implementation Method 2
A rechargeable electronic key for use with an electronic lock. The electronic key includes a memory device; a private key identifier for the electronic key stored in the memory device... a power management circuit configured to electrically connect to a power source; and a rechargeable battery. The power management circuit is configured to supply energy from the rechargeable battery to other components of the electronic key, to supply energy from the rechargeable battery to the electronic lock
Implementation Method 3
The power management circuit is configured to supply energy from the rechargeable battery to other components of the electronic key, to supply energy from the rechargeable battery to the electronic lock when the electronic key is engaged with the electronic lock, and to recharge the rechargeable battery when the power management circuit is connected to the power source
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of an electronic access control system includes an electronic key, an electronic lock, and an access control administration program. The electronic key can include program code for switching between a lock mode and a computer mode. In some embodiments, the lock mode and computer mode allow for simplified administration and operation of the access control system. Some embodiments of the electronic key include a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the access control system includes a hybrid power supply system having a rechargeable battery and a generator. In some embodiments, the electronic lock includes a piezoelectric latch. In some embodiments, the electronic key is configured to act as a storage device for a computer system. Some embodiments provide an electronic access control system with a streamlined user interface.