Electronic Lock Current Detection Prevents Jamming Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic lock devices continue to operate and potentially cause malfunctions or damage when adverse conditions, such as jammed mechanisms or foreign objects, prevent the deadbolt from moving, leading to undesired consequences.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock device with a control unit that includes a processor and a current detection module to continuously monitor the electric current flowing through the actuation mechanism, switching back to the original state and deactivating the mechanism if the current exceeds a predetermined threshold, indicating an adverse condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the microprocessor continues to control the switching mechanism to move the deadbolt without detection, then the operation completes, but damage to components and malfunctioning may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The current detection module continuously monitors the electric current flowing through the actuation mechanism during deadbolt movement. When the current exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system detects an adverse condition (jammed mechanism or foreign object) and sends feedback to the microprocessor to stop operation, preventing component damage while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods with electrical current detection to monitor the actuation mechanism's operation. By measuring current changes, the system can detect adverse conditions without adding complex mechanical sensors or switches, thus improving reliability while minimizing increased device complexity
2Reliability
If the current detection module continuously monitors electric current, then adverse conditions are detected, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current detection module operates continuously during the actuation process but can be deactivated when not in use. The system performs current monitoring only during the specific time window when the deadbolt is moving, creating a periodic detection pattern that ensures reliable adverse condition detection while minimizing overall energy consumption of the battery-powered device
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
Prevents potential damage and malfunctions by detecting adverse conditions and aborting the operation, alerting the user to potential issues and preventing further component damage.
Implementation Method 1
a current detection module for detecting an amount of electric current flowing through the actuation mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic lock device includes a lock mechanism, an actuation mechanism that actuates the lock mechanism, and a control unit including a processor and a current detection module. During an operation in which the actuation mechanism is activated to start switching the lock mechanism from an original state to an intended state, the current detection module continuously detects an amount of electric current flowing through the actuation mechanism. When the amount of electric current is greater than a predetermined threshold, the processor controls the actuation mechanism to switch the lock mechanism back to the original state, and deactivates the actuation mechanism.