Induction Lock Actuation for Wireless Lockout Access Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lockout-tagout systems rely on manual processes for communication, tracking, and monitoring, which are inefficient and prone to errors, especially in environments requiring multiple steps for safe equipment access.

Innovation Solution

A lock system with an induction coil that inductively couples with a portable device to generate power, actuating a motor to transition between locked and unlocked states, and includes a server for managing access credentials and user profiles, enabling wireless communication and automation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual processes are used for communication, tracking, and monitoring in lockout-tagout systems, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and reliability deteriorate due to inefficiency and errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of lockout-tagout processesVSAvoidcomplexity of lock system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with an electronic system featuring an induction coil for wireless power transfer, a motor for automated shackle actuation, and a server for digital credential management. This substitution eliminates manual errors and improves tracking efficiency while maintaining acceptable system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock system performs self-service functions through automatic credential verification via the server, automated motor actuation based on verified credentials, and wireless power transfer that activates the motor without manual intervention. This automation improves productivity by eliminating manual tracking and monitoring steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If wireless power transfer and automation are implemented, then productivity and reliability improve, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of lockout-tagout processesVSAvoidcomplexity of lock system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with an electronic system featuring an induction coil for wireless power transfer, a motor for automated shackle actuation, and a server for digital credential management. This substitution eliminates manual errors and improves tracking efficiency while maintaining acceptable system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The induction coil serves multiple functions: it provides wireless power transfer to activate the motor and can also potentially serve as a communication interface with the server. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining improved reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If an induction coil and motor are added to enable wireless actuation, then ease of operation improves, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of unlocking lockVSAvoidenergy consumption of lock system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with an electronic system featuring an induction coil for wireless power transfer, a motor for automated shackle actuation, and a server for digital credential management. This substitution eliminates manual errors and improves tracking efficiency while maintaining acceptable system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor is activated only periodically when a user presents verified credentials, rather than requiring continuous power. The induction coil transfers power wirelessly only during these brief actuation moments, minimizing overall energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 the efficiency and security of lockout-tagout processes by allowing wireless power transfer and data exchange, reducing manual errors and improving access control.

Implementation Method 1

The induction coil is configured to inductively couple with a portable device to generate power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The actuator is configured to actuate between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration to selectively transition the locking mechanism between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to receiving the power generated with the induction coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS20250382827A1Induction powered lock device

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 MASTER LOCK CO INC

AI summary

A lock system includes a lock. The lock includes a locking mechanism, an induction coil, and an actuator. The locking mechanism is selectively movable between a first position and a second position. The induction coil is configured to inductively couple with a portable device to generate power. The actuator is configured to actuate between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration to selectively transition the locking mechanism between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to receiving the power generated with the induction coil.