Electronic Lock Offline Operation Battery Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locker systems face challenges with power supply and management, particularly in facilities with many lockers, as wired solutions are costly and complicated to install, and battery-powered systems require frequent battery replacements, limiting offline operation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock system powered by batteries that can operate in offline, online, or combined modes, featuring a central control unit for remote management, wireless communication, and a removable battery compartment for easy replacement, optimizing power consumption and eliminating the need for extensive wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired power supply is used for electronic locks, then power supply reliability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired mechanical power supply system with a wireless battery-powered system. Each electronic lock contains an autonomous battery compartment that eliminates the need for complex wiring infrastructure while maintaining reliable power supply through wireless operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the power supply system into independent modular units, with each electronic lock containing its own battery compartment. This segmentation allows each lock to operate autonomously without requiring centralized wiring, simplifying installation while ensuring reliable local power supply
2Stability of the object's composition
If wired power supply is used for electronic locks, then power supply stability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs replaceable battery compartments that can be easily replaced when depleted. This approach uses inexpensive, short-lived battery units instead of expensive wired infrastructure, reducing overall installation cost while maintaining stable power supply through periodic replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive wired power infrastructure with inexpensive wireless battery-powered units, dramatically reducing material and installation costs while achieving comparable power supply stability through autonomous operation
3Device complexity
If battery-powered electronic locks are used, then installation complexity is reduced, but battery replacement frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements low-power design strategies and sleep modes that pre-optimize battery consumption patterns. The electronic lock remains in a low-power state until activation is detected, extending battery life without requiring complex installation infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic wake-sleep cycles where the electronic lock remains dormant and activates only when needed. This periodic operation pattern significantly extends battery longevity by minimizing power consumption during idle periods while maintaining full functionality when required
4Adaptability or versatility
If centralized control system is used, then remote management capability is improved, but wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired communication infrastructure with wireless communication technology. Electronic locks communicate with the centralized control system via wireless signals, eliminating the need for extensive communication wiring while maintaining full remote management capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal system where electronic locks can operate autonomously offline while also supporting wireless centralized control when available. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to adapt to different operational modes without requiring separate wired infrastructure
5Adaptability or versatility
If electronic locks operate offline, then autonomy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic wake-sleep cycles where the electronic lock remains in a low-power sleep state and activates periodically or upon event detection. This allows offline autonomous operation while minimizing power consumption through extended idle periods between activations
Data Source
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AI summary
Electronic lock and electronic locking system for furniture, cabinets or lockers. The electronic lock comprises: - a case (3) having means for the fixing thereof to the inner part of a door (2) of a piece of furniture, cabinet or locker; - a locking element (5) electronically activated; - a power supply module; - a wireless communication module (16); - an electronic control module (13) operating in different modes of operation: • an offline mode (408), to autonomously activate the locking element (5) based on the access data received; • an online mode (406), by means of which the access data being received are sent to a central control unit (42) and the activation of the locking element (5) is performed based on the activating instructions remotely received from said central control unit (42), the lock (1) automatically operating in an offline mode (408) under conditions of a failure event in the communications with the central control unit (42).