Lock-Box Backlit Panel and Removable Front Door for Low-Light Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hotel lock-boxes often face difficulties in low-light environments due to lack of illumination for instructions, and programming or reprogramming requires disassembly, making it time-consuming and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A lock-box with a backlit front panel using a standoff member and magnets for positioning, along with a magnetic key for easy removal, and an override key cover for the electromechanical lock mechanism, allowing for illuminated instructions and simplified servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lock-box is positioned in a closet with minimal lighting, then the lock-box can be installed in typical hotel room closets, but it becomes difficult for users to read instructions stickered on the front door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies backlighting to the instruction panel, changing the illumination state from dark to lit, thereby improving readability of instructions in low-light environments such as hotel room closets
2Device complexity
If the lock-box uses a basic design with fixed keypad and lock mechanism on the front door, then the structure is simple, but programming or reprogramming requires disassembly through inside wall fastening members making it time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the front door into separate components: a removable panel that covers the keypad and lock mechanism, and an interior panel that contains the programming interface. This segmentation allows technicians to access and program the lock mechanism by simply removing the exterior panel rather than disassembling wall fastening members, significantly reducing programming time while maintaining structural simplicity
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
Enhances usability in low-light conditions and streamlines the servicing process by providing easily readable instructions and quick access to the lock mechanism without disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination device configured to backlight the panel
Implementation Method 2
A backlit panel may be removably attached to the front door to form a portion of a front face of the front door, where the backlit panel is positioned in front of the illumination device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a lock-box may include assembling top, bottom, left, right, and rear walls. A front door may be assembled with an electromechanical lock assembly mounted thereto, and be rotatably secured to a wall. A user interface may be electrically connected to the electromechanical lock assembly, and accessible to a user at the front face of the lock-box. An illumination device may be electrically connected to electronics of the electromechanical lock assembly. A backlit panel may be removably attached to the front door to form a portion of a front face of the front door, where the backlit panel is positioned in front of the illumination device so that information on the backlit panel is illuminated when the illumination device is illuminated. A latch member may be secured within the lock-box to secure the front door when in a closed position.