Electromechanical Lock Charging Control for Multi-Source Power Intake

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromechanical locks face challenges in efficiently utilizing various power sources for operation, including user-generated kinetic energy and wireless power from communication devices, leading to potential power outages and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A charging system utilizing a DC-DC converter to adaptively manage power from multiple sources (generator, NFC, battery) through a data processing unit that controls power intake and distribution to an energy storage, ensuring consistent power supply and preventing overloads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple power sources are used to supply the electromechanical lock, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the complexity of power management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidpower management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power sources (generator, NFC wireless power, and battery) into a unified power management system. The DC-DC converter integrates inputs from different power sources and merges them into a single charging circuit that charges a common energy storage capacitor, thereby improving power supply reliability while managing complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system is designed with multi-functionality to handle different power sources universally. The DC-DC converter can accept power from the generator, NFC wireless transmission, or battery, and adaptively manages the charging process regardless of the power source type, making the system versatile and reducing management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If kinetic energy from user interaction is converted to electrical energy, then the need for external power sources is reduced, but the efficiency of energy conversion varies with user input

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower source flexibilityVSAvoidenergy conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to varying user input levels by using a DC-DC converter that can adjust its operating parameters. When the user interacts with the knob or handle, the generator produces variable electrical energy, and the DC-DC converter dynamically regulates the charging process to maximize energy capture and minimize losses, thereby maintaining efficiency across different input levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The DC-DC converter changes its operating parameters (such as duty cycle and switching frequency) based on the amount of electrical energy generated by the user's kinetic input. This parameter adjustment optimizes the energy conversion efficiency across different user interaction intensities, reducing energy losses while maintaining adaptability to various power source conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If wireless power transfer from communication devices is used, then the installation complexity is reduced, but the power transfer efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidwireless power transfer loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges wireless NFC power transfer with other power sources (generator and battery) into a hybrid power system. The NFC module provides convenient wireless charging without installation complexity, while the DC-DC converter and energy storage system compensate for the lower efficiency of wireless power transfer by integrating multiple power sources to ensure reliable and efficient overall power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system ensures reliable and efficient operation of electromechanical locks by optimizing power utilization from diverse sources, minimizing power outages, and maintaining a stable energy supply.

Implementation Method 1

A transmission mechanism 102 may convey the kinetic energy to a generator 104 while the user is turning a key 112 in the electromechanical lock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A charging system utilizing a DC-DC converter to adaptively manage power from multiple sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4636982A1Charging system and charging method
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 ILOQ OY
  • EP4636982A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4636982A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4636982A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A charging system of an electromechanical lock comprises a direct-current-direct-current converter (100) that receives electric power from one electric source of electric sources (SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2, SOURCE 3) of different types, the electric source (SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2, SOURCE 3) varying. A data processing unit (204) receives information relating to electric power intaken from the one of the sources (SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2, SOURCE 3) by DC-DC converter (100), the DC-DC converter (100) feeding electric power to an electric energy storage (206) of the electromechanical lock for charging the electric energy storage (206) to be used for operation of the electromechanical lock. The data processing unit (204) forms repeatedly control signals based on the information on the electric power intaken by the DC-DC converter (100), and feed the control signals to a feedback input (FB) of the DC-DC converter (100) in order to control the intake of the electric power of the DC-DC converter (100) from said one of the sources (SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2, SOURCE 3).