Infrared Door Lock Bidirectional Optical Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic locking systems for doors and windows face issues such as poor security, high noise levels, and difficulty in installation and regulation due to the presence of gaskets, particularly with electromechanical systems using electrical strike-plates.

Innovation Solution

An electronic locking system that integrates bidirectional infrared devices in the counter-plate and lock for command and status information transmission, enabling secure, silent, and easy installation by converting voltage pulses into optical signals for serial data communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electromechanical systems with electrical strike-plates are used, then interfaceability with management systems is improved, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterfaceability with management systemsVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical strike-plate system with an optical communication system using infrared devices. The lock and counter-plate communicate through infrared signals instead of electrical connections, eliminating the security vulnerabilities of electrical systems while maintaining interfaceability with management systems through the optical communication channel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electromechanical systems with electrical strike-plates are used, then interfaceability with management systems is improved, but noise level increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterfaceability with management systemsVSAvoidnoise level

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electrical signal transmission with optical infrared signal transmission. This eliminates electromagnetic noise and interference associated with electrical strike-plates, providing silent operation while maintaining full communication capability with management systems through the infrared channel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical strike-plates are used, then interfaceability with management systems is improved, but installation and regulation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterfaceability with management systemsVSAvoidinstallation and regulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electrical wiring and gasket installation with simple infrared device integration. The infrared devices can be installed without electrical connections or complex mechanical adjustments, significantly simplifying installation and regulation while maintaining full interfaceability with management systems through wireless optical communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system provides enhanced security, ease of installation, and silent operation by facilitating bi-directional communication and status updates between the lock and counter-plate, improving reliability and usability compared to existing solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a first infrared device 12 arranged in the counter-plate 2 and configured to transmit at least a first optical signal S1 and to receive at least a second optical signal S2; a second infrared device 13 arranged in the electronic lock 4, in particular in the lock body 6, and configured to receive the first optical signal S1 and to transmit the second optical signal S2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3485123B1Electronic system for locking doors or windows, in particular for doors

Publication Date: 2019.09.11 ALBAN GIACOMO SPA

Figure 1

AI summary

An electronic system (1) for locking doors or windows comprises a counter-plate (2) and an electronic lock (4) provided with closing means (7, 8) mobile between a release configuration, in which it engages the counter-plate (2), and a retained configuration, in which it does not engage the counter-plate (2). An opening device (9) is configured to activate a switching of the closing means (7, 8) at least between the retained configuration and the release configuration. A first infrared device (12) is arranged in the counter-plate (2) and configured to transmit at least a first optical signal (S1) or activating signal containing an activating message and to receive at least a second optical signal (S2). A second infrared device (13) is arranged in the electronic lock (4) and configured to receive the first optical signal (S1) and to transmit the second optical signal (S2), which can comprise a message relating to the status of the wing and/or an authentication message suitable for being used by the first infrared device (12) for authenticating the activating message previously sent via the first optical signal (S1).