Hybrid Biometric Key Lock with Integrated Toggle Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional locks are either key-based or electronic, with no compatibility between the two, leading to the need for lock destruction when one mode fails, such as power loss in electronic locks or key loss in key-based locks.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid lock design integrating a biometric scanner, circuit controller, motor, tumbler, clutch gear, and shackle, allowing both manual key operation and electronic sensor operation to unlock the lock, ensuring a failsafe option when one mode is unavailable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a lock uses only electronic mechanism to open, then modernization and convenience are improved, but reliability deteriorates when power is lost or electronic system fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlocking methodsVSAvoidaccess availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electronic unlocking mechanism and manual key unlocking mechanism into a single integrated lock system. The lock body houses both an electronic sensor/motor assembly and a traditional tumbler/keyhole assembly, allowing users to switch between electronic and manual unlocking methods depending on system availability, thus resolving the contradiction between modernization and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock is designed with multi-functionality to perform both electronic unlocking and manual key unlocking. The single lock body accommodates multiple unlocking pathways: electronic sensor verification followed by motor-driven tumbler movement, or direct manual key insertion and tumbler movement, ensuring the lock remains functional regardless of which system fails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a lock uses only key-based mechanism to open, then simplicity and reliability are improved, but adaptability deteriorates lacking electronic features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational consistencyVSAvoidunlocking methods

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges traditional key-based locking mechanism with modern electronic sensing and actuation systems into one unified device. The manual key tumbler mechanism maintains operational consistency and reliability, while the integrated electronic sensor and motor provide modern conveniences, achieving both simplicity and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock system achieves universality by supporting multiple unlocking paradigms: the reliable manual key insertion and tumbler rotation for consistent operation, and the electronic sensor verification with motor-driven unlocking for modern adaptability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to choose between traditional and modern approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If electronic locks are used, then convenience and modernization are improved, but loss of access occurs when power is lost or electronic system fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlocking convenienceVSAvoidaccess guarantee

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a manual key tumbler mechanism as a pre-prepared backup system within the lock body. This mechanical fallback is designed to be immediately accessible if the electronic system fails due to power loss or malfunction, providing beforehand cushioning against electronic system failures and ensuring continuous access capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual key tumbler mechanism serves as an intermediary solution between complete electronic dependency and total mechanical operation. When electronic systems fail, the manual key mechanism mediates the unlocking process, allowing users to bypass the failed electronic system and directly actuate the tumbler to unlock the lock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If key-based locks are used, then simplicity and reliability are improved, but inconvenience occurs when key is lost or forgotten

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidaccess convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key dependency with an electronic sensing and motor-driven system for the primary unlocking operation. Instead of requiring manual key insertion and tumbler manipulation, the electronic sensor verifies credentials and the motor automatically actuates the tumbler, eliminating the inconvenience of key loss while maintaining system stability through the backup mechanical key capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10422163B1Electronic sensor and key operated lock

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 BENJILOCK LLC

AI summary

An electronic sensor and key operated lock is disclosed which provides users with the option to use at least one of a manually operated mechanism or for example a biometric sensor to unlock the lock. The lock integrates both the manually operated mechanism and a biometric sensor into one device. The manually operated mechanism and a biometric sensor are coupled to a common toggle switch so that operation of at least one of the manually operated mechanism and the biometric sensor moves the toggle switch and a shackle from locked and unlocked positions.