Key Generator and Real-Time Clock for Secure Mechatronic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key systems for mechatronic lock-key systems require batteries or complex cabling for power, lack environmental sustainability, and do not provide adequate security and reliability, especially in terms of long service life and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A key with a generator and real-time clock that charges an energy storage device, allowing it to supply both the key electronics and locking cylinder with electrical energy, and incorporates time-based security features to validate coded opening signals, eliminating the need for batteries and cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries or complex cabling are used to supply power to key electronics and locking cylinder, then the system can operate electronically, but the system requires replaceable batteries or complex cabling which reduces reliability and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from external sources (batteries and cabling) and relocates it to the key itself through an integrated generator. The generator is housed within the key body and generates electrical energy locally during key insertion, eliminating the need for external power sources and complex cabling connections between the key and locking cylinder.
Solution Approach 2:
The key becomes self-powered through the integrated generator that automatically generates electrical energy when the key is inserted into the locking cylinder. The generator converts the mechanical motion of key insertion into electrical energy, which then powers the key electronics and real-time clock without requiring external battery replacement or complex power transmission cabling.
2Ease of operation
If batteries are used to power key electronics, then the system can function, but batteries require replacement which increases loss of time and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The key system performs self-charging through the integrated generator that automatically generates electrical energy during normal key insertion operations. This eliminates the need for periodic battery replacement, as the generator continuously recharges the energy storage device whenever the key is used, making the system maintenance-free and extremely easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator charges the energy storage device in advance during each key insertion, ensuring that sufficient energy is available for subsequent electronic operations. This preliminary charging action prevents power depletion and eliminates the need for reactive battery replacement, maintaining continuous operational readiness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If batteries are used for power supply, then the system can operate, but batteries create environmental pollution which reduces environmental sustainability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the mechanical motion of key insertion, which would otherwise be a wasted energy source, into useful electrical energy through the integrated generator. This transformation eliminates the need for disposable batteries and their associated environmental pollution, while simultaneously providing the necessary power for key electronics and real-time clock operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates its own electrical energy through the generator-powered energy storage device, eliminating dependence on external battery power sources. This self-powered approach removes the environmental harm caused by battery production, disposal, and replacement, while maintaining all necessary electronic functions.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a generator is integrated into the key to eliminate batteries, then environmental sustainability improves, but the key weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the generator, energy storage device, and key electronics into a single integrated key assembly. By combining these components into one compact unit, the design minimizes the overall weight and volume increase that would result from adding a generator, while achieving the environmental sustainability benefits of eliminating batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The key housing is designed as a compact, integrated structure that accommodates the generator and energy storage device in a space-efficient manner. The housing provides both structural support and environmental protection, optimizing the weight-to-volume ratio while containing all necessary power generation and storage components.
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 sustainable, secure, and reliable key system with extended service life by using energy generated from the generator and real-time clock validation, reducing environmental impact and operational power consumption to zero.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (9) for supplying the key electronics (7) with electrical energy... When the key is inserted into a locking cylinder, the generator located in the locking cylinder is driven to generate electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
the generator charges an energy store... the energy store and/or the generator supplies both the key electronics and the real-time clock
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A key (1) comprising a key bow (2) and a key shaft (3) is proposed, including key electronics (7) that transmit a coded opening signal to a locking cylinder (11) and a generator (9) for supplying the key electronics (7) with electrical energy. To create a key (1) with a high level of security, it is proposed that the key electronics (7) incorporate a real-time clock (85) and be configured such that the key electronics (7) transmits time information along with the coded opening signal and/or determines the validity of the coded opening signal depending on the time signal from the real-time clock (85).