Electronic Lock Boost Converter for Selective High-Voltage Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic locks face high power consumption issues due to constant voltage requirements, leading to frequent battery replacements.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock with a boost converter that selectively increases voltage on a power bus when needed, using a first processor to determine voltage requirements and activate the converter, combined with a step-down converter to maintain lower voltage for other components, reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant voltage is provided to all components, then all components can operate reliably, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different voltage levels to different components based on their specific requirements. The processor and memory receive lower voltage (first voltage) to reduce power consumption, while the communication section receives higher voltage (second voltage) when activation is detected to ensure reliable operation. This selective voltage distribution resolves the contradiction by matching voltage supply to actual component needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the voltage supply adaptive and changeable based on system state. The voltage to the communication section is dynamically adjusted: lower voltage when inactive and higher voltage when activation is detected. This dynamic voltage adjustment allows the system to maintain reliability when needed while minimizing power consumption during normal operation.
2Reliability
If higher voltage is always provided, then components requiring high voltage can operate reliably, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by providing higher voltage to the communication section only during specific periods when activation is detected, rather than continuously. The voltage increases from first voltage to second voltage temporarily when communication is needed, then returns to first voltage. This periodic high-voltage supply ensures reliable operation when required while significantly reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the voltage parameter based on system state. The voltage to the communication section changes between two discrete levels (first voltage and second voltage) depending on whether activation is detected. This parameter adjustment allows the system to provide sufficient power for reliable high-voltage component operation only when necessary, reducing overall power consumption.
3Reliability
If voltage is increased for communication section, then communication reliability improves, but overall system power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power supply system into separate voltage domains. The processor and memory operate on one voltage level (first voltage) while the communication section operates on another voltage level (second voltage when activated). This segmentation allows independent voltage optimization for each subsystem, ensuring communication reliability when needed while minimizing power consumption in the processing subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the voltage parameter specifically for the communication section based on activation detection. When activation is detected, the voltage to the communication section changes from first voltage to second voltage to improve communication reliability. When not activated, it remains at first voltage to minimize power consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between communication reliability and system power consumption.
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
Reduces power consumption by providing higher voltage only when necessary, extending battery life and minimizing replacement frequency while maintaining efficient component operation.
Implementation Method 1
a boost converter configured to selectively increase a voltage of the first power bus from the first voltage to a second voltage
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided an electronic lock (12) comprising: a first power bus (20); a battery holder (23) configured to hold at least one battery (19) to thereby supply power of a first voltage to the first power bus (20); a boost converter (24) configured to selectively increase a voltage of the first power bus (20) from the first voltage to a second voltage; a first processor (60) connected to the boost converter (24); a first memory (64) storing instructions (67) that, when executed by the first processor (60), cause the electronic lock (12) to: determine a need for increased voltage; and trigger the boost converter (24) to activate to thereby increase a voltage on the first power bus (20). It is also provided a corresponding method, computer program (67) and computer program product (67).