Electronic Key Storage Case with Automatic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key cases have complex mechanical locks that are inconvenient to open and lack security, as they rely on a single spring for locking, making them prone to accidental unlocking from external forces.
Innovation Solution
An electronic key storage case with a housing, a front panel for password input, and an electronic locking mechanism comprising a driving circuit, motor, and cam structure that automatically unlocks the lock tongue, providing enhanced security and convenience through controlled rotation and locking states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical lock with a single spring is used, then the structure is simple, but the security is poor and it is prone to accidental unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring-based locking system with an electronic locking mechanism. The electronic lock uses electromagnetic forces and electronic control circuits to achieve locking and unlocking, eliminating the need for mechanical springs and password wheels. This substitution significantly improves security and reliability while preventing accidental unlocking, as the electronic system can detect and respond to external forces that mechanical systems cannot.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the vulnerable mechanical spring component from the locking system. By taking out the single spring that provided all the locking force, the design eliminates the fundamental weakness of mechanical key cases - the inability to resist external knocking and shaking forces. The electronic locking mechanism replaces this extracted mechanical element with a more robust electromagnetic system.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical password lock is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the operation is inconvenient and requires manual unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical password wheel system with an electronic input interface. Instead of manually rotating password wheels and aligning mechanical notches, users can input passwords through electronic buttons or other electronic input methods. The electronic control circuit processes the input and automatically triggers the unlocking sequence, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of complex mechanical password mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic locking system provides self-service functionality where the system automatically processes the password input, verifies it, and executes the unlocking action without requiring manual intervention in the mechanical components. The control circuit autonomously manages the entire unlocking sequence, from receiving the password to actuating the lock tongue, reducing user burden and operational complexity.
3Strength
If the lock tongue is held by a single spring elastic force, then the structure is simple, but the resistance to external force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the single spring elastic force system with an electronic locking mechanism that uses electromagnetic actuators to hold the lock tongue. The electronic lock can generate and maintain locking force through electrical power, providing consistent and controllable strength that is not dependent on spring fatigue or mechanical wear. This substitution dramatically improves resistance to external forces such as knocking, shaking, and prying attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic locking system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring and maintaining the locked state through electronic control. Before any external force is applied, the electronic lock is already in a prepared state to resist intrusion, with the control circuit ready to detect attempts at opening and maintain the locking force until proper authentication occurs. This preliminary electronic preparation enhances strength and security compared to passive mechanical spring systems.
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 electronic key storage case offers improved user experience with automatic unlocking, enhanced security against external percussion, waterproof protection, and convenient mounting options, along with an integrated LED lighting system for nighttime use.
Implementation Method 1
a driving circuit, a motor and a cam structure disposed on a main shaft outputted by the motor
Implementation Method 2
a locking hook spring disposed on the rotating shaft, the lock tongue is sleeved on the rotating shaft, an acting end of the locking hook spring is connected to the lock tongue
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an electronic key storage case, comprising a housing, a cavity defined in the housing and configured for storage, a front panel configured for password input and disposed on the front of the housing, a locking mechanism and a control circuit disposed on an inner side of the front panel, characterized in that, the locking mechanism is an electronic lock, and comprises a driving circuit, a lock tongue, and a mounting assembly connected with the lock tongue, the driving circuit is configured to receive unlocking information from the control circuit and control an action on the lock tongue, the mounting assembly comprises a lock bracket, a rotating shaft located on the lock bracket, and a locking hook spring disposed on the rotating shaft, a locking hook groove is provided on the lock tongue, and the lock tongue is matched with the locking hook spring through the driving circuit, to obtain a degree of freedom of rotating forward or reverse rotation with the rotating shaft as a central axis to form two states of the locking hook groove engaged with or separated from the locking pin. In the present invention, the key case is opened automatically in an electronic lock manner, thereby being easier to use, providing a securer lock structure, and avoiding undesirably opening.