Electronic Lock Selectable Power Off Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locks lack the ability to seamlessly switch between fail-safe and fail-secure modes without requiring disassembly, specialized tools, or knowledge, limiting user flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock system with a selectable power off function, utilizing a toggle switch or electronic switch to communicate with a microcontroller and motor driver, allowing users to change between electric lock (EL) and electric unlock (EU) modes without disassembly, using a capacitor for energy storage and power management during power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing electronic locks are designed with fixed power failure modes (fail-safe or fail-secure), then the lock provides reliable operation during power outages, but the user cannot switch between different operational modes without disassembly or specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary energy storage device between the power source and the lock mechanism. This capacitor enables the lock to maintain operation during power failures and allows seamless switching between fail-safe and fail-secure modes without requiring internal configuration changes or disassembly, thus resolving the contradiction between mode adaptability and device complexity
2Ease of operation
If existing electronic locks require disassembly or specialized tools to change power failure modes, then the internal configuration is secure, but the ease of operation and user flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the capacitor automatically manages power distribution and mode transitions during power failures. The system self-adjusts between fail-safe and fail-secure modes based on power availability without requiring user intervention, disassembly, or specialized tools, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and configuration security
3Reliability
If existing electronic locks lack power management components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain operation during power failures is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the capacitor during normal power operation. This stored energy is prepared in advance to ensure continuous lock operation during power failures. The capacitor is positioned and pre-charged before power interruption occurs, enabling reliable operation during outages without adding complex real-time power management systems
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
Enables users to easily select and switch between fail-safe and fail-secure modes without specialized knowledge, ensuring secure and reliable operation during power outages, with efficient power management and reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
using a capacitor for energy storage and power management during power failures
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is disclosed for electronic locks with a selectable power off function. The electronic lock includes an electronic controller disposed within a lock housing and operable to control a state of the lock between locked and unlocked positions. An electronic actuator electrically coupled to the controller is movable between first and second positions corresponding to a locked position and an unlocked position of the lock, respectively. The electronic lock further includes at least one electrical energy storage device and a selector switch coupled to the controller to define a desired state of the lock between one of an electrically locked (EL) and an electrically unlocked (EU) state in an electric power off condition.