Electronic Lock With Dual Interfaces for Compact Key Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic locks face challenges in maintaining compatibility with a wide array of electronic key types while ensuring space efficiency and design aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock design incorporating both a wireless key interface and a physical key interface, utilizing a loop antenna and socket for power and communication, respectively, within a compact form factor that integrates with a mechanical lock structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both wireless key interface and physical key interface are integrated into the electronic lock, then compatibility with various electronic key types is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both wireless key interface (with loop antenna) and physical key interface (with socket and lock connectors) into a single electronic lock device. This merging allows the lock to accept both contactless electronic keys and traditional contact-based electronic keys, resolving the contradiction by integrating multiple functionality into one unified system rather than requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic lock is designed with universal capability to work with multiple types of electronic keys through dual interfaces. The wireless interface handles modern contactless keys while the physical interface accommodates traditional keys with conductive blades, making the lock universally compatible across different key technologies and eras.
2Area of stationary object
If loop antenna and socket are integrated within compact form factor, then space efficiency is improved, but antenna performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the socket for the physical key interface inside the loops of the loop antenna used for wireless communication. This nesting arrangement allows both components to occupy the same spatial region, maximizing space utilization while maintaining the functional integrity of both the antenna and the socket connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from considering only two-dimensional space to utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. By positioning the socket within the volumetric space occupied by the antenna loops, the patent achieves compact integration without compromising the surface area needed for effective wireless communication.
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
Enables versatile compatibility with various electronic keys while optimizing space usage and enhancing security through dual power and communication methods, ensuring efficient integration and secure access control.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless key interface, comprising a loop antenna provided in the external section, the wireless key interface enabling the electronic lock to receive power from the electronic key and to communicate with the electronic key
Data Source
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AI summary
It is provided an electronic lock (12) comprising: a lock cylinder section (20) configured to mechanically interact with a mechanical lock structure (21), wherein the lock cylinder section (20) is configured to be located, when the electronic lock (12) is installed, within a recess (22); an external section (24) configured to be located, when the electronic lock (12) is installed, outside the recess (22); a wireless key interface (30) comprising a loop antenna (31) provided in the external section (24), the wireless key interface (30) enabling the electronic lock (12) to receive power from the electronic key (2) and to communicate with the electronic key (2); a physical key interface (32) comprising a socket (33) to receive power from and communicate with the electronic key (2), wherein the socket (33) is provided inside loops of the loop antenna (31).