Electronic Lock Power Source Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mechanical and electromechanical lock cores require physical keys, which can be lost or broken, posing security risks and administrative inconveniences, and do not offer convenient remote rekeying without physical intervention.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered lock core system that uses wireless communication to determine its state, allowing operation through a user's mobile device, with the ability to harness energy from external sources such as a mobile phone, eliminating the need for a physical key and enabling remote rekeying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical keys are used for lock operation, then the lock can be operated mechanically, but the keys can be lost or broken creating security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key system with an electronic keyless entry system using biometric authentication (fingerprint sensor) and electronic actuators. The mechanical key insertion and turning mechanism is substituted with electronic sensors and motor-driven lock mechanisms, eliminating the physical key that can be lost or broken while maintaining reliable security through biometric verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electronic copy of the authentication mechanism, replacing the physical key with electronic/biometric credentials. Instead of relying on a physical object (key) that can be replicated or lost, the system uses unique biometric data and electronic authentication protocols, providing secure access without the vulnerabilities of physical key management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromechanical actuators with electronic keys are used, then remote reprogramming is enabled, but users still must carry a physical key
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely eliminates the physical key carrying requirement by substituting the mechanical key system with a biometric authentication system. The fingerprint sensor and electronic actuator work together to provide keyless entry, allowing users to access the lock through their biometric data stored in the electronic control unit, thereby maintaining remote reprogramming capabilities while removing the need to carry physical keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system performs self-authentication using the user's own biometric data (fingerprint). The electronic control unit stores and compares biometric templates locally, allowing the system to verify user identity without external physical keys or continuous connection to remote systems. This self-contained biometric verification eliminates the need to carry external authentication devices while maintaining security and remote management capabilities.
3Ease of repair
If mechanical removable lock cores are used, then the core can be physically removed with a second key, but this requires physical intervention and key management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-based core removal mechanism with an electronic actuator system. The electronic control unit receives authentication signals and triggers motor-driven actuators to automatically disengage and remove the lock core, eliminating the need for physical key manipulation and manual intervention. The system can detect core status and perform removal operations through electronic commands alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock core removal function is automated through the electronic control unit, which monitors system status and executes removal operations autonomously based on authenticated commands. The system self-manages the core removal process through electronic actuation without requiring users to manually manipulate mechanical components or use separate physical keys, thereby simplifying the maintenance and replacement process.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments are directed to determining, by a processing device, a state of an internal power supply associated with a lock, and selecting, by the processing device, at least one of the internal power supply and an external power supply to power the lock based on the determination of the state of the internal power supply.