Intelligent Door Knob Wireless Authorization Manual Override

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional door lock systems, particularly those with deadbolts, are susceptible to unauthorized access due to manual operation requirements and lack of electronic control redundancy, making them vulnerable to intrusions when the electronic controller is unavailable.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent door knob system that uses a wireless communication device to authorize manual operation of a bolt through an energy source and mechanical energy transmission apparatus, allowing independent manual operation of the door lock system even when the electronic controller is unavailable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual operation of deadbolt is required for effective locking, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and reliability worsens when electronic controller is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidmanual operation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical deadbolt operation with an electronic motorized system that can be controlled remotely via mobile device. The motorized actuator eliminates the need for physical manual throwing of the deadbolt while maintaining security through electronic authorization. The system substitutes mechanical key turning and deadbolt throwing with wireless electronic control and motorized actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the door lock system. The mobile device communicates with the door knob assembly via wireless communication to authorize and control deadbolt operation. This intermediary enables remote operation without requiring direct physical interaction with the mechanical components of the lock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If electronic control is added to automate deadbolt operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates when electronic controller is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic deadbolt actuationVSAvoidfunctionality when electronic controller unavailable
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates different operational modes or states within the door lock system. The system can operate in electronic-controlled mode under normal conditions and switch to manual operation mode when electronic control is unavailable. Each mode has optimized characteristics for its intended use scenario, allowing the system to adapt to different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares for electronic system failure by maintaining manual operation capability as a backup. The mechanical components remain intact and functional even when electronic control fails, providing a cushion against complete system failure. This redundancy ensures that the door can still be secured manually if the electronic controller becomes unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If wireless communication device is added for authorization, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure manual operationVSAvoidsystem components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the mobile device's existing wireless communication capabilities and integrates them with the door lock system. The mobile device, which already has processing, communication, and authorization capabilities, is utilized for door access control. This multi-functional approach avoids adding dedicated new components and instead repurposes the universal mobile device for security authorization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9359794B2Method for operating an intelligent door knob
Publication Date: 2016.06.07 MASTER LOCK CO INC
  • US9359794B2 patent drawing
  • US9359794B2 patent drawing
  • US9359794B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is provided for operating a door lock system with a knob. An apparatus controls transmission of displacement or rotational mechanical energy. A bolt is coupled to a door and the bolt is coupled to an input rod and an output rod. The bolt locks and unlocks a door in response transmission of displacement or delivery of rotational mechanical energy. At least one of an interior or exterior knob is coupled to the bolt and the apparatus that controls transmission of displacement or rotational mechanical energy. An energy source is used that is coupled to the apparatus that controls transmission of displacement or rotational mechanical energy. A wireless communication device is used to communication with a mobile device. Authorization is provided with the mobile device to engage the apparatus that controls transmission of displacement or rotational mechanical energy and allows a door user to manually open the door.