Internal Antenna Lockset with Touch Activation and Light Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless locksets face challenges in achieving aesthetically appealing, efficient RF communication, tamper resistance, and easy manufacturing, particularly when the antenna is placed on the exterior side of the door.

Innovation Solution

A wireless electromechanical lock with an internal antenna, touch activation, and a light communication device, featuring a metal body with engineered cavities to house electronics and antennas, allowing efficient RF propagation and a capacitive touch-sensitive exterior for activation, along with a light communication device for visual information display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the antenna is placed on the exterior side of the door, then RF communication efficiency is improved, but aesthetic appearance and tamper resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF communication efficiencyVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is nested within an engineered cavity inside the metal body of the lockset, allowing RF communication functionality to be maintained while hiding the antenna behind the exterior surface for improved aesthetics and tamper resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

An RF transparent window or material is used as an intermediary between the internal antenna and the external environment, allowing RF signals to pass through while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the metal body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the antenna is placed on the exterior side of the door, then RF communication efficiency is improved, but tamper resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF communication efficiencyVSAvoidtamper resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is nested within an engineered cavity inside the metal body of the lockset, protecting it from external tampering while maintaining RF communication functionality through the metal body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The metal body itself acts as an intermediary protective layer between the internal antenna and external tampering attempts, while still allowing RF signals to pass through via engineered pathways or RF transparent sections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If an internal antenna is used within the metal body, then aesthetic appearance and tamper resistance are improved, but RF propagation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidRF propagation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The metal body is segmented with engineered cavities or channels that allow RF signals to propagate from the internal antenna to the external environment, separating the aesthetic exterior from the functional interior RF pathway

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

RF transparent materials or engineered metal sections are used as intermediaries within the metal body to facilitate RF signal propagation from the internal antenna while maintaining the overall metal aesthetic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the entire outside cover is made touch-sensitive, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch activation capabilityVSAvoidcapacitive touch sensor implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The entire outside cover serves multiple functions: it provides the structural aesthetic appearance of the lockset and simultaneously functions as a capacitive touch sensor surface, eliminating the need for separate button or keypad areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a compact, aesthetically pleasing, and tamper-resistant lockset with efficient RF communication and simplified manufacturing, enabling intuitive user interaction through touch activation and dynamic light animations.

Implementation Method 1

the entire outside cover of the lock is touch sensitive and allows a user to touch the lock to activate various functions of the lockset

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive touch sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

This lock utilizes an antenna near the exterior face of the lockset, designed inside the metal body of the lockset itself... allow the embedded front-facing antenna to propagate RF energy efficiently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250263952A1Wireless lockset with integrated antenna, touch activation, and light communication method

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 ASSA ABLOY AMERICAS RESIDENTIAL INC

AI summary

A wireless electromechanical lock with one or more of an internal antenna, touch activation, and/or a light communication device that acts as a user interface. In some embodiments, the lock utilizes an antenna near the exterior face of the lockset, designed inside the metal body of the lockset itself. A light communication device is provided in some embodiments to communicate information, visually, to the user via animations and dynamic displays of light. In some embodiments, the lockset includes a touch activation capability, which can be used to lock/unlock the lock and/or otherwise provide input.