Electronic Key with Piezoelectric Latch for Access Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic access control systems are costly and cumbersome to administer, requiring physical replacement of locks and keys, and lack energy efficiency and simplified operation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An electronic key system that functions as a storage device and memory card reader, with a rechargeable battery and power management circuit, allowing for energy-efficient operation and user-supplied mechanical force to power the lock, and a piezoelectric latch for secure bolt operation, enabling easy administration and replacement of multiple mechanical keys with a single electronic key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic access control systems are implemented, then access control reliability is improved, but administration complexity and cost increase due to physical replacement of locks and keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements electronic copies of keys in the form of electronic key fobs that can be programmed with access credentials. Instead of physical key replacement, administrators can digitally copy and distribute access rights to multiple electronic keys, eliminating the need to physically replace locks when keys are lost or compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical key-lock systems with electronic authentication mechanisms. Electronic key fobs use RFID, NFC, or other wireless communication protocols to authenticate users, substituting the mechanical insertion and turning motion with contactless electronic verification, thereby simplifying administration and improving reliability.
2Reliability
If electronic locks are powered continuously, then operational reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic power cycling where the electronic lock enters low-power sleep modes between authentication events. The system wakes up to process authentication signals, performs the locking/unlocking action, and then returns to sleep mode, thereby maintaining operational reliability while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power state parameter dynamically based on operational needs. The electronic lock transitions between high-power active states during authentication and low-power sleep states during idle periods, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy consumption by adjusting power parameters rather than maintaining a fixed state.
3Reliability
If wired electrical connections are used to power electronic locks, then power supply reliability is improved, but installation complexity and flexibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired electrical connections with wireless power transmission technologies such as electromagnetic induction or resonant coupling. This allows the electronic lock to receive power wirelessly through air coupling or near-field communication, eliminating the need for physical wiring while maintaining sufficient power supply reliability for authentication operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the electronic key fob to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the authentication credential and the power source for the electronic lock. The key fob contains a rechargeable battery that wirelessly transmits power to the lock during authentication, combining identification and power delivery functions in a single device, thereby eliminating wiring requirements while ensuring reliable power supply.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanical keys are used, then access control versatility is improved, but administration and tracking become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple electronic copies of access credentials in the form of programmable key fobs. Each key fob can be digitally programmed with the same or different access rights, allowing versatile access control for multiple users, departments, or time periods. Administrators can easily copy, distribute, revoke, or modify access rights digitally without physical key management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements tracking and monitoring capabilities where the electronic key system provides feedback to administrators about key usage, location, and status. The system can log authentication events, track which electronic keys are active, and provide real-time information about access patterns, thereby simplifying administration and enabling better control over versatile access rights.
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 system provides a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and simplified method for electronic access control, allowing administrators to easily manage and replace locks without wired connections, enhancing security and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric latch configured to secure the bolt in a fixed position when the piezoelectric latch is in a first state
Implementation Method 2
a rechargeable battery. The power management circuit is configured to supply energy from the rechargeable battery to other components of the electronic key
Implementation Method 3
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
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.