Handheld Transmitter Mode Switching for Mobile Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically operated mobile locks are not conveniently usable without a smartphone or smartwatch, as users without these devices are excluded from controlling the locks remotely.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held transmitter with an energy store, motion sensor, and transmitter/receiver unit that allows users to switch between manual and automatic modes for controlling the lock, with energy state monitoring to prevent energy depletion and accidental unlocking, using Bluetooth for wireless connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic mode is enabled for remote control operation, then convenience for users without smartphones is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between manual and automatic modes based on user interaction. The motion sensor continuously monitors for movement, and when movement is detected, the system automatically initiates connection establishment and unlocking sequence, eliminating the need for manual button pressing while conserving energy when no movement is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held transmitter uses its own motion sensor to detect user movement and automatically triggers the unlocking sequence without requiring external smartphone control. The system serves itself by autonomously determining when unlocking should occur based on detected motion, reducing energy consumption compared to continuously active automatic modes.
2Ease of operation
If automatic connection establishment is enabled, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of accidental unlocking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by detecting motion and then establishing wireless connection before executing the unlocking action. The motion detection serves as a preliminary check to ensure the user intends to unlock, and the connection establishment phase allows for final authentication verification before the actual unlocking occurs, preventing accidental unlocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the motion sensor and wireless connection status to control the unlocking sequence. The control unit monitors motion detection signals and connection establishment status, and only proceeds with unlocking when both conditions are satisfied, providing a feedback-based safety mechanism against accidental unlocking.
3Ease of operation
If motion sensor is continuously active for automatic mode, then convenience is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor operates in a periodic manner rather than continuously. The control unit checks for motion detection at regular intervals or triggers based on motion events, allowing the sensor to enter low-power states between detections. This periodic operation maintains automatic unlocking capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a handheld transmitter (20) with an energy storage device (32), a motion sensor (26) for detecting movement of the handheld transmitter, and a transmitter/receiver unit for establishing a wireless connection to an electrically operated mobile lock (10). The handheld transmitter is switchable between a manual mode, in which the connection can only be established by the user actuating an operating element, and an automatic mode, in which the connection can be established by movement of the handheld transmitter. A further aspect of the invention is a locking system comprising such a handheld transmitter and an electrically operated mobile lock. The invention also relates to a method for unlocking an electrically operated mobile lock using a handheld transmitter.