Electronic Lock External Power Transfer for Battery-Free Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic locks powered by batteries often fail to function when the batteries run out of energy, requiring users to replace them before the lock can be used again.

Innovation Solution

The system utilizes a power receiving unit in the electronic lock that converts power from a mobile computing device, such as a smartphone, into an electrical current to power a processor, which then instructs an electromagnetic device to move a deadbolt or latch, eliminating the need for internal batteries and enabling wireless or wired power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electronic locks use integrated batteries, then they can function independently, but they require battery replacement when energy is depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operationVSAvoidbattery replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power source from the lock body itself and relocates it to an external mobile device. The lock no longer contains integrated batteries; instead, it receives power externally through a power transfer unit that interfaces with mobile devices equipped with power transfer circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a power transfer unit as an intermediary component that enables bidirectional power communication between mobile devices and the lock. This mediator facilitates wireless or wired power transfer, allowing the lock to draw power from external sources without requiring internal battery compartments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electronic locks use integrated batteries, then they maintain continuous power, but users must replace batteries before depletion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power supplyVSAvoidbattery replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous operation by allowing users to recharge the lock's power source using mobile devices with remaining battery power. The power transfer unit detects available power in mobile devices and automatically initiates charging, ensuring the lock never fully depletes and eliminating the need for physical battery replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The lock system performs self-charging by detecting nearby mobile devices with sufficient power and automatically establishing a power transfer connection. The system monitors its own power levels and initiates recharging operations without user intervention, using the mobile device as a portable power bank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of repair

If electronic locks eliminate internal batteries, then maintenance is reduced, but they require external power sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance reductionVSAvoidexternal power dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power transfer unit is designed to interface with multiple types of mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) through universal communication protocols and power transfer standards. It supports both wireless inductive charging and wired USB connections, making the lock compatible with various external power sources without requiring device-specific adaptations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution allows electronic locks to function continuously as long as a mobile device is powered, providing secure and reliable access without the need for battery replacement, enhancing user convenience and reducing maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

converting the power into an electrical current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Implementation Method 2

transmitting, from the at least one processor to an electromagnetic device of the locking system, instructions to move at least one of a deadbolt and a latch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS12260689B1System and method for an electronic lock with an external power source

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 DOUBLE R VENTURES LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for an electronic lock which is powered wirelessly from mobile power supplies, including smartphones or other mobile computing devices. A system can include: a processor; a deadbolt or a latch; an electromagnetic device physically connected to the deadbolt or latch, the electromagnetic device electrically connected to the processor; and a power receiving unit, the power receiving unit configured to receive power from a mobile power supply, the power receiving unit electrically connected to the processor, wherein, upon receiving the power at the power receiving unit from the mobile power supply: the power receiving unit converts the power into an electrical current; the electrical current powers the processor; the processor sends instructions to the electromagnetic device to move the deadbolt or latch; and the electromagnetic device in response to the instructions, moves the deadbolt or latch.