Electronic Lock Hardware Profile Selector for Multi-Protocol Wireless Configuration

Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic locks require multiple hardware units to accommodate various customer-specific wireless communication configurations, leading to increased costs and complexity in the supply chain and distribution channels.

Innovation Solution

An electronic lock with a hardware-based multi-wireless profile detection and setting system, featuring a processing unit, memory unit, wireless module, and hardware profile selector, allowing users to configure the lock for different wireless communication protocols such as Zigbee and Z-Wave, using switches to select the desired protocol.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple customized electronic lock hardware units are produced to accommodate various customer-specific wireless communication configurations, then the adaptability to different customer requirements is improved, but the device complexity and supply chain complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different wireless communication configurationsVSAvoidsupply chain complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic lock is designed with a universal hardware platform that can support multiple wireless communication protocols (Zigbee, Z-Wave, and custom protocols) through a single unit. The lock includes a programmable processing unit and memory that can be configured to implement different communication protocols, eliminating the need for multiple specialized hardware variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication capabilities of the electronic lock are made configurable through changeable parameters such as protocol selection, channel settings, and communication profiles. These parameters can be adjusted via hardware switches, dip switches, or software configuration to match different customer requirements without changing the physical hardware structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple customized electronic lock hardware units are produced to accommodate various customer-specific wireless communication configurations, then the adaptability to different customer requirements is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different wireless communication configurationsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal electronic lock hardware unit is designed to replace multiple customized units, consolidating the product line and reducing manufacturing complexity. The universal unit includes configurable components that can be programmed for different wireless protocols, reducing the need for maintaining multiple SKUs and reducing per-unit manufacturing costs through economies of scale.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manufacturing physically different hardware units for each wireless protocol configuration, the invention uses software-based protocol implementations that can be copied and loaded onto the same hardware platform. This allows different communication protocols to be replicated through code rather than requiring separate physical manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple customized electronic lock hardware units are produced to accommodate various customer-specific wireless communication configurations, then the adaptability to different customer requirements is improved, but the quantity of different hardware units increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different wireless communication configurationsVSAvoidnumber of different hardware units

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic lock employs a universal hardware architecture that can perform multiple wireless communication functions through configuration rather than through physical variation. This single universal unit replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized units, reducing the total quantity of different hardware types that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and distributed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple wireless communication protocol capabilities are merged into a single electronic lock unit through integrated circuit design and software configuration. The lock can simultaneously or alternatively support Zigbee, Z-Wave, and custom protocols within the same hardware platform, consolidating what would have been separate products into one unified device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11060323B2Electronic lock having hardware based multi-wireless profile detection and setting

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 ASSA ABLOY AMERICAS RESIDENTIAL INC

AI summary

An electronic lock with a wireless module configured to communicate wirelessly using a selected wireless communication protocol. The lock includes a hardware profile selector, such as a plurality of switches, which can be configured to set the wireless protocol used by the wireless module. For example, the hardware profile selector can be adjusted to change the wireless protocol used by the lock.