Keyless Locker Handle Electronics for Conductive Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyless lock systems for storage apparatuses face challenges with conductive materials interfering with antenna operation, aesthetic concerns, and inefficient power usage in indicators, particularly in locker room settings where reliable status indication is desired.
Innovation Solution
A keyless lock system with an electronics assembly integrated into the handle, featuring a reader component and indicator component visible through a window, allowing credential authentication and power-efficient display states, compatible with both conductive and non-conductive materials, and designed for various storage apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the storage apparatus is formed from a conductive material, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the antenna operation is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into separate components: the antenna is mounted on the door while the reader is mounted on the storage apparatus body. This segmentation allows the door to be made of conductive material for aesthetic purposes while the antenna can still function properly on the non-conductive door surface, resolving the conflict between aesthetic appearance and antenna operation reliability.
2Shape
If the reader or antenna is located on the rear of the door, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the reader is not visible to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the reader component from the door surface to the storage apparatus body in a different spatial location. The reader is mounted on the front or side of the storage apparatus body, making it visible and accessible to users while the door maintains its clean aesthetic appearance without visible readers or antennas on its surface.
3Loss of information
If existing indicators are used to show lock status, then the status indication is provided, but excessive power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an LED indicator that provides visual feedback through periodic or event-driven illumination rather than continuous operation. The LED illuminates to indicate lock status changes or authentication events, consuming power only when needed to provide status information, thereby significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuously operating indicators.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage apparatus having a keyless lock/unlock system. The storage apparatus may including a housing having a storage cavity and a door may be coupled to the housing. A handle is coupled to the door and defines a handle cavity. The locking system includes an electronics assembly and a locking mechanism that are in operable communication. The electronics assembly includes a reader component and an indicator component that are located within the handle cavity. The indicator component is visible through a window in the handle. When the reader component receives credential data which is then authenticated, the locking system transitions between a locked configuration whereby the locking mechanism is locked and the indicator component is in a first display state and an unlocked configuration whereby the locking mechanism is unlocked and the indicator component is in a second display state. The indicator component may be electronic paper.