Electronic Lock Key Pairing and Power Inversion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional locks require multiple physical keys, which are difficult to organize, occupy space, and are prone to loss or forgetfulness, also involving complex production processes and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A system of an electronic lock and key that automatically binds pairing settings without a computer, generates random electronic secret keys for enhanced security, and uses a shape memory alloy lock to reduce manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple physical metal keys are used for different locks, then locking and unlocking functionality is achieved, but key organization becomes difficult and space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekey management convenienceVSAvoidspace occupied by keys
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple physical keys into a single electronic key device that can store and manage multiple electronic secret keys. The electronic key integrates the functionality of numerous separate physical keys, allowing users to access multiple locks with one unified device, thereby eliminating the need to carry and organize multiple separate keys.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electronic secret keys as digital copies of traditional physical keys. Instead of relying on physical metal keys with unique cuts and shapes, the system creates electronic representations of key functionality that can be stored, copied, and managed digitally, significantly reducing the physical space required for key storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If conventional locks with multiple components are used, then locking and unlocking mechanisms are achieved, but production complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power source from the lock itself and relocates it to the electronic key. This extraction eliminates the need for complex internal power management components within the lock, simplifying the lock's structure while maintaining functionality. The lock becomes a passive authentication device that relies on the key for power and authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking components (lock pins, sliders, shafts, cams) with an electronic authentication system. Instead of mechanical key-cam interactions, the system uses electronic secret key verification through electrical connection, substituting complex mechanical assemblies with simpler electronic circuits and authentication logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electronic locks with computer assistance for setting are used, then pairing configuration is achieved, but setting convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepairing configuration capabilityVSAvoidsetting convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service pairing between the electronic key and electronic lock. When the electronic key is inserted into the electronic lock, the system automatically performs authentication and establishes the pairing relationship without requiring external computer assistance or manual configuration. The devices autonomously complete the pairing process through their built-in communication and authentication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Duration of action of stationary object

If power source is built into the electronic lock, then continuous operation is achieved, but reliability and safety rate decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidsystem safety rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional power source arrangement by placing the power source in the mobile electronic key rather than in the stationary electronic lock. This inversion allows the lock to remain a passive, powerless device that only activates when authenticated by the key. The power source travels with the key, eliminating the security risks associated with having a power source and storage in the lock itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 system simplifies key management, enhances security with unguessable electronic secret keys, reduces production costs, and eliminates the need for physical key storage, improving user convenience and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a shape memory alloy wire is used to replace a conventional driving motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory alloy phase transformation: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS12254730B2System of electronic lock and electronic key
Publication Date: 2025.03.18 TEAM YOUNG TECH CO LTD
  • US12254730B2 patent drawing
  • US12254730B2 patent drawing
  • US12254730B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system (1) of an electronic lock (3) and an electronic key (2). The system comprises an electronic key (2) and an electronic lock (3), wherein the electronic key (2) comprises a first processing module (22), a first storage module (23), a power source module (21) and a first terminal (24); the electronic lock (3) comprises a second processing module (32), a second storage module (33), a lock core module (31) and a second terminal (34); when the electronic key (2) and the electronic lock (3) are set in a pairing manner, the first terminal (24) is electrically connected to the second terminal (34), the first processing module (22) or the second processing module (32) automatically generates at least one electronic secret key, and the at least one electronic secret key is stored in the first storage module (23) and the second storage module (33), so that a pairing action is completed; and when locking or unlocking is carried out, the first terminal (24) is electrically connected to the second terminal (34), and when the first processing module (22) or the second processing module (32) identifies that the electronic key (2) and the at least one electronic secret key stored in the electronic lock (3) match with each other, the power source module (21) supplies a power source to the connected electronic lock (3), so as to trigger a locking or unlocking action.