Electronic Padlock Linear Blocker for NFC-Controlled Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic padlocks face challenges with rotating components and safety issues, necessitating a more sophisticated design.

Innovation Solution

An electronic padlock arrangement featuring a linearly movable blocker, a tilter, a clutch pin, and processing circuitry that controls the clutch pin to enable or disable the tilter's movement, utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) for authorization and energy transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rotating components are used inside the padlock, then the padlock can achieve locking and unlocking functionality, but safety issues and reliability problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidrotating components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional rotating mechanical components with a linearly movable blocker system. The blocker moves linearly between a first position (blocking the shackle) and a second position (allowing the shackle to open), eliminating the need for rotating parts and associated safety issues while maintaining the locking functionality.

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

2Reliability

If a controlled mechanism with clutch pin is implemented, then unauthorized tampering is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcontrolled mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the locking mechanism into distinct functional segments: the clutch pin (controlled by processing circuitry based on authorization), the tilter (which tilts to transfer motion), and the linearly movable blocker (which actually blocks or unblocks the shackle). This segmentation allows for controlled security while maintaining clarity in the mechanical pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If NFC is used for authorization and energy transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but dependency on external technology increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization processVSAvoidNFC dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses NFC technology as an intermediary for contactless authorization and energy transfer. The NFC interface enables users to authenticate and power the padlock without physical contact, improving ease of operation while the processing circuitry manages the NFC communication internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances security and safety by ensuring only authorized users can open the padlock, preventing unauthorized tampering through a controlled mechanism that relies on NFC for access rights and energy supply.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) for authorization and energy transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear Field Communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4603667A1Electronic padlock arrangement
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 ILOQ OY
  • EP4603667A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4603667A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP4603667A1 patent drawingFigure 3C~4A

AI summary

According to the invention, there is provided a padlock arrangement (100), comprising a body (102) with a shackle (104) and a linearly movable blocker (106) having a first position (106_P1) to disenable the shackle (104) to enter an open state (104_OS) and a second position (106_P2) to enable the shackle (104) to enter the open state (104_OS). The padlock arrangement further comprises a tilter (108) having a first position (108_P1) and a second position (108_P2), wherein moving of the tilter (108) from the first position (108_P1) to the second position (108_P2) is configured to move the blocker (106) from the first position (106_P1) to the second position (106_P2), and a clutch pin (110) having a first state (110_S1) to disable moving of the tilter (108) to the second position (108_P2), and a second state (110_S2) to enable moving of the tilter (108) to the second position (108_P2). The padlock arrangement further comprises a processing circuitry (112) configured, when authorized, to provide a control signal to set the clutch pin (110) to the second state (110_S2) to enable moving of the tilter (108) to the second position (108_P2) to open the shackle (104).