Electronic Key Energy Recovery and NFC Auxiliary Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic key systems with energy recovery devices face issues where spare keys, used infrequently, may require extensive user effort (e.g., shaking) to recharge due to gradual battery discharge over time, even when not in use, leading to potential unlocking failures.
Innovation Solution
An electronic key system incorporating a main energy recovery generator and an auxiliary NFC-based generator, where the main generator powers the lock upon insertion and the auxiliary generator uses nearby NFC radiation to provide emergency power, eliminating the need for a large capacity battery and minimizing user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an energy recovery device is used to recharge the battery from user movement, then the probability of battery discharge is reduced, but the key requires prolonged user effort (shaking) to recharge when stationary for long periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically recharging the battery during the key insertion operation itself. The insertion movement triggers the energy recovery device to generate electricity and store it in the battery before unlocking occurs, so the key is already charged and ready for use without requiring separate shaking or charging actions from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The key performs self-service by using its own insertion movement into the cylinder to generate the electrical energy needed for charging. The energy recovery device captures the mechanical energy from the user's natural insertion action and converts it to electrical energy, making the system self-charging without requiring external power sources or additional user efforts beyond normal key usage.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a large capacity battery is used to store sufficient energy for unlocking, then the key can operate without frequent recharging, but the key size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static battery storage model to a dynamic energy management approach. Instead of relying on a large battery to store all necessary energy, the system dynamically generates energy during each insertion operation and uses intelligent control to manage power distribution, allowing the battery to remain small while maintaining sufficient operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by shifting from a passive energy storage model to an active energy generation model. The control unit monitors battery charge levels and adjusts power consumption accordingly, enabling the system to maintain extended operational duration with a smaller battery by optimizing energy usage patterns and supplementing storage with on-demand generation.
3Reliability
If the key battery is discharged after long-term storage, then the key cannot unlock the cylinder, but existing energy recovery devices require extensive shaking to recharge
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging action during the inevitable key insertion operation that precedes unlocking. By capturing energy during this required movement, the system ensures the battery is charged with sufficient headtime before the unlocking operation, eliminating the need for prolonged shaking or waiting periods after battery discharge.
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
Ensures reliable unlocking without prolonged user effort, reduces battery discharge issues, and allows for seamless transition between power sources, maintaining key functionality without large capacity batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a main energy recovery generator (41) arranged to generate, from a movement of a part of the key (16) by the user, a quantity of electrical energy greater than or equal to the quantity Q
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary NFC-based generator (43) arranged to transform, from nearby NFC transceivers, electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~14
Figure 5~7
AI summary
An electronic key suitable for insertion into an electronic cylinder, this key comprising an energy recovery device capable of converting the movement of a movable part (200) into electrical energy. The movable part (200) has a distal end (206) projecting beyond a body (39) of the key when the movable part is in an advanced position. This distal end is adapted to bear directly against a stop of the electronic cylinder and then, through shape cooperation with this stop, to push the movable part (200) from its advanced position to a retracted position against the restoring force of a spring (212) as the key is inserted into the electronic cylinder.