Electronic Lock with Partial-Tooth Pinion Gear for Low-Power Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lock mechanisms for item receptacles are inefficient and insecure, as they often require multiple physical keys and may not have access to electrical power sources, leading to issues with theft and logistical challenges in delivery and retrieval processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electronic lock system powered by a wireless power supply, such as an inductive power transfer system, which can be unlocked using a mobile device via credential verification, featuring a motorized mechanism with gearing components and biasing members to minimize power consumption and enhance security with secondary locks and override systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motorized locking mechanism with gearing components is used, then security and controlled access are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor operates intermittently rather than continuously, activating only during locking and unlocking operations. The biasing members maintain the locked state passively without power input, creating a periodic action pattern that reduces overall power consumption while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing members (springs) provide self-service by automatically maintaining the locking mechanism in its secured state without requiring continuous power input. The mechanical spring system serves itself to hold the rack in position, reducing the energy burden on the motorized system.
2Ease of operation
If wireless power supply is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with an electronic motorized locking mechanism controlled by wireless signals. This substitution eliminates the need for physical keys and manual operation, improving ease of use while accepting increased electronic system complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple biasing members are used to ensure reliable locking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different biasing members are positioned at specific locations within the locking mechanism to provide localized forcing forces where needed. The first biasing member acts on the unlocking member while the second acts on the rack, creating local quality variations that ensure reliable locking at critical points without unnecessarily complicating the entire system.
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
This solution enables faster, more secure, and efficient delivery and retrieval of items by allowing a single mobile device to unlock multiple locks, reducing the need for physical keys and minimizing power usage, while providing enhanced security features like dual credential requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The systems and methods of this disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope as expressed by the claims that follow, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. In one embodiment, a securable receptacle is described. A mobile power supply, such as a wireless power system or inductive power transfer system can be used to power an electrical lock mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock can include a motor assembly, a gear assembly, and an unlocking assembly. The motor assembly can include a motor and a drive shaft. The gear assembly can include a cam, a pinion gear, and a pinion. The pinion gear can include a plurality of teeth disposed along only a portion of a perimeter of the pinion gear. The pinion gear can be configured to engage the pinion. The pinion can be configured to translate laterally to release a biasing member to unlock a door of a container.