Electronic Lock Holding Coil Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic locks face security risks due to power supply limitations, as they often rely on batteries that require frequent replacement or recharging, and electrical contacts are prone to corrosion, while inductors can suffer from magnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock design featuring a locking mechanism with coils and sliding barriers magnetically attracted to a core, allowing for power transfer and data communication without the need for external power sources, using a key with shear pins to enhance security and prevent tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If batteries are used in the key to power the lock, then the lock can remain locked without external power and mobility is improved, but the batteries require constant replacement or recharging which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery-powered system with an electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. The key and lock use inductive coupling through coils to transfer power wirelessly, eliminating the need for batteries while maintaining mobility and ensuring continuous operation through AC power connection to the lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock is designed to accept multiple power sources: it can operate with AC power connected to the lock body, or alternatively draw power from the key through inductive coupling. This multi-functionality ensures continuous operation regardless of external power availability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical contacts are used to transfer power and data from key to lock, then power transfer is achieved, but the contacts are susceptible to corrosion which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical electrical contacts with wireless inductive power transfer using electromagnetic fields. Coils in both the key and lock generate and detect magnetic fields to transfer power and data without physical contact, completely eliminating corrosion issues while maintaining efficient power transfer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate inductors are used to transfer power and data, then wireless power transfer is achieved, but magnetic interference between inductors can corrupt data and disrupt power flow which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transfer and data communication functions into a single integrated inductive coupling system. The same coils and magnetic fields used for power transfer also carry modulated data signals, eliminating the need for separate inductors and preventing magnetic interference between separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses time-division multiplexing where power and data are transmitted in alternating periodic cycles. The key transmits power during one phase and modulates data during another phase, preventing magnetic interference between power and data channels while maintaining efficient 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
The solution ensures continuous operation of electronic locks without external power, reduces corrosion risks, and minimizes magnetic interference, providing enhanced security and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The control circuit may be able to energize the first coil to create a magnetic field in the core, which magnetic field can cause the first and second sliding barriers to move away from the core
Implementation Method 2
The first sliding barrier can be located on a first side of the core and being magnetically attracted to the core. The second sliding barrier may be located on a second side of the core and may be magnetically attracted to the core
Implementation Method 3
The control circuit may also be able to energize the second and third coils after a predetermined time has elapsed, such that the first sliding barrier is magnetically attracted to the second coil and the second sliding barrier is magnetically attracted to the third coil
Implementation Method 4
the first sliding barrier is magnetically attracted to the second coil and the second sliding barrier is magnetically attracted to the third coil
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An electronic lock may include a locking mechanism and a cartridge having a body portion and one or more extension receiving portions that may receive the locking mechanism. The lock may also include a first coil positioned around the cartridge, a core disposed within the cartridge and substantially within the first coil, and a second coil positioned around the cartridge. The second coil may be spaced from the first coil. In addition, a first sliding barrier may be disposed within the cartridge, which barrier may be selectively in communication with the locking mechanism. A control circuit may be included in the lock, which may energize the first and second coils to cause the first sliding barrier to move from a first position magnetically attracted to the core to a second position magnetically attracted to the second coil and thereby allow actuation of the locking mechanism.