Self-Powered Electromechanical Lock Using Key-Driven Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical locks require significant power consumption, which is a limitation in user-powered systems, and there is a need for more efficient power management to reduce energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A user-powered electromechanical lock with an integrated generator and actuator device that uses mechanical power to generate and manage electric power efficiently, minimizing power consumption by using a key follower to organize timing and operations, allowing only necessary electric power usage for authentication and actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electromechanical locks use external power supply or batteries, then the lock can operate reliably, but the power consumption is high and requires frequent battery replacement or external power connection
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system generates its own power through a generator that converts mechanical energy from key insertion/rotation into electrical energy. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external power supplies or batteries, allowing the lock to operate autonomously without frequent battery replacement while maintaining reliable operation for authentication and actuation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical power supply system (batteries or external power) with a mechanical power generation system. The generator converts mechanical energy from user interaction with the key into electrical energy, substituting the need for chemical energy storage (batteries) with mechanical energy conversion.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the lock uses mechanical power for all operations, then power consumption is reduced, but the lock cannot perform electronic authentication functions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses mechanical power for the majority of operations (key follower movement, basic locking mechanism) while using electrical power generated on-demand only for specific authentication functions. This partial use of electrical power allows the lock to maintain electronic authentication capabilities while minimizing overall power consumption by not continuously powering electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system dynamically switches between mechanical and electrical power sources based on operational requirements. During key insertion and authentication phases, the generator produces electrical power temporarily for electronic circuit operation. For basic locking/unlocking operations, purely mechanical mechanisms are used, creating a dynamic hybrid power system that adapts to functional needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lock uses a hybrid mechanical-electrical system, then functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical key-operated mechanism with an integrated generator and electronic authentication system into a single unified device. The generator is coupled to the existing mechanical key follower, combining mechanical power transmission with electrical power generation in one integrated assembly, thereby enhancing functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The key follower serves multiple functions: it transmits mechanical power to the generator for electricity generation, controls the timing of authentication operations, and manages the coordination between mechanical and electrical systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite enhanced operational capabilities.
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 significantly reduces power consumption by leveraging mechanical power for lock operations, ensuring efficient energy use and enhanced security through controlled actuation and authentication processes.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generator (330) configured to generate the electric power from mechanical power
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical lock, its key, and its operation method are disclosed. The method includes: during a first and a second insertion phases of a key, conveying mechanical power to an electric generator by a key follower and enabling mechanically operation of an actuator by the key follower; generating electric power from mechanical power by the electric generator; reading data from an external source; matching the data against a predetermined criterion; and during a removal phase of the key, returning the key follower to a starting position and mechanically resetting the actuator to the locked state.