Electronic Lock Cylinder with Integrated Sensor and Logic Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic locks are expensive and not easily interchangeable with mechanical Yale type locks, as they require external power supply and complex modifications, making them unsuitable for replacing mechanical cylinders in standard installations without compromising security and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A lock cylinder with integrated reading sensors and a logic unit that detects the unlocking combination through electrical, magnetic, or optical signals, powered by a compact energy source, allowing for low-power operation and manual actuation without external power, enabling easy replacement of mechanical cylinders with electronic keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic locks are used to improve security and flexibility, then reliability and access control flexibility are improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock system is segmented into modular components: a compact electronic module containing the reading sensor and logic unit, a separate energy source (battery), and integration with the existing mechanical cylinder structure. This segmentation allows the electronic functionality to be added without redesigning the entire lock system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining security improvements.
2Reliability
If electronic locks are installed to improve security, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and interchangeability worsen due to power supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock module is designed to be self-powered through integration with the mechanical cylinder's existing structure. The reading sensor detects key features passively during insertion, and the compact logic unit processes signals without requiring external power connections. This self-service approach eliminates the need for door modifications or external power supply infrastructure, enabling easy interchangeability with standard mechanical cylinders.
3Ease of manufacture
If a compact energy source is used to power the electronic system, then ease of manufacture is improved, but energy consumption must be minimized to achieve acceptable battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The reading sensor operates periodically rather than continuously - it activates when the key is inserted and detects features during the insertion motion. The logic unit processes signals in discrete intervals corresponding to key insertion events. This periodic operation dramatically reduces average power consumption compared to continuous operation, enabling the use of compact batteries with acceptable lifespans while maintaining ease of manufacture.
4Reliability
If reading sensors are integrated into the cylinder to detect the unlocking combination, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reading sensor is merged with the mechanical cylinder structure, utilizing the key insertion motion itself as the detection mechanism. The sensor detects key features (such as cuts or patterns) as the key passes through the cylinder, combining the mechanical key insertion action with electronic detection. This merging approach adds sensing capability without requiring separate actuation mechanisms, thereby improving security while limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 solution provides a secure, cost-effective, and reliable electronic lock cylinder that can replace mechanical locks, offering low power consumption, long battery life, and enhanced security with minimal modifications, maintaining the manual operation and safety of traditional mechanical locks.
Implementation Method 1
through exchange of electrical and/or magnetic and/or optical signals
Implementation Method 2
through exchange of electrical and/or magnetic and/or optical signals
Implementation Method 3
through exchange of electrical and/or magnetic and/or optical signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The lock cylinder (1) according to the invention comprises a cylinder housing (3) and a driving pin (5A, 5B) housed in the cylinder housing (3). A reading sensor (170A, 170B) detects, through exchange of electrical and/or magnetic and/or optical signals, the predetermined unlocking combination of the key (9). If the correct key is inserted in the cylinder (1), a logic unit (11) allows the driving pin (5A, 5B) to actuate the bolt (102) rotating on itself. The reading sensor (170A, 170B) and the logic unit (11) are arranged to read the predetermined unlocking combination reproduced on the key (9) while the latter is moving and is inserted in the lock cylinder 1, greatly reducing the electrical consumption of the cylinder and increasing its autonomy and safety.