Induction Padlock Position Limiter for Fast Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction type padlocks experience slow response times for locking and unlocking due to the use of motor shafts to rotate gear threads, leading to inconvenient time delays and the need for key replacement if damaged or lost.
Innovation Solution
An induction type padlock design that includes a shell, lock bolt, shackle, driving unit, light-emitting component, and induction control unit, where the position limiter is rotated to select wide or narrow portions in the recess to control locking and unlocking, and a light-emitting component provides distinguishable indications, eliminating the need for motor-driven gear threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor shaft is used to rotate a gear engaged with gear threads of the lock bolt, then the lock bolt can move for locking or unlocking, but the response time becomes slow due to multiple turns required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-driven gear mechanism with an electromagnetic induction system. The induction coil generates a magnetic field that directly actuates the lock bolt through electromagnetic force, eliminating the need for motor shaft rotation and gear engagement. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic fields dramatically reduces response time while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock bolt is segmented into multiple sections with different magnetic permeability values. By controlling the magnetic field distribution, different segments can be selectively actuated to achieve precise positioning of the lock bolt, enabling fast and accurate locking/unlocking operations without requiring multiple turns of a gear mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical keys are used, then locking and unlocking can be achieved, but inconvenience occurs when keys are damaged or lost requiring remaking or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key system with an induction-based authentication system. Instead of inserting and turning a physical key, the system uses electromagnetic induction to authenticate and actuate the lock bolt. This eliminates wear and damage issues associated with mechanical keys while providing contactless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the authentication credential (such as an RFID tag or NFC device) that can be read wirelessly by the induction coil. This digital copy replaces the physical key, allowing for easier replication and distribution without the risks of physical key damage or loss.
3Measurement precision
If a position limiter with wide and narrow portions is used to control lock bolt movement, then precise positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position limiter incorporates portions with different magnetic permeability values at different locations. The wide portions have one magnetic permeability value while the narrow portions have another, creating local variations in magnetic properties. This allows precise control of the lock bolt position through magnetic field interaction without requiring complex mechanical structures, as the magnetic field naturally concentrates or distributes based on the local magnetic permeability of different portions.
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
Improves response times for unlocking and locking, eliminates time delays, and provides clear lighting indications of the padlock's state, enhancing convenience and security by allowing automatic locking and charging through a USB connector.
Implementation Method 1
an induction type padlock which is used to sense a signal to be actuated
Implementation Method 2
a light-emitting component, and an induction control unit... The light-emitting component is disposed in the shell and emits light outward through the shell
Data Source
AI summary
An induction type padlock includes a shell, a lock bolt, a shackle, a driving unit, a light-emitting component, and an induction control unit. The lock bolt slides in the shell and has a recess. The shackle is inserted into the shell through the lock bolt and has a latch portion being able to be latched by the lock bolt. The driving unit rotates the position limiter in the recess; the position limiter has a wide portion and a narrow portion. The induction control unit is electrically connected to the driving unit and the light-emitting component. The induction control unit senses a signal to select the wide or the narrow portion of the position limiter to be disposed in the recess and controls the light-emitting component. Therefore, the time delay problems of unlocking and locking can be solved and the distinguishable lighting indications of unlocking and locking can be obtained.