Lock Coil Impedance Detection for Door Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door and window lock systems require significant mechanical alterations and additional components to detect the status of the locking element and the door or window, which weakens the latch and occupies space.
Innovation Solution
A lock system where a coil is placed around the opening of the strike plate or face plate, allowing for the detection of the locking element and door status through electrical measurements without major mechanical changes, using a single or multiple coils with impedance or voltage sensing, and optional additional receiver coils to enhance reliability and minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet and sensor are added to detect locking element status, then detection capability is improved, but the latch structure is weakened and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods (magnets, sensors, buttons) with an electrical measurement approach. A coil is wrapped around the locking element, and its electrical properties (inductance, resistance, or voltage) are measured to detect the locking status. This eliminates the need for mechanical modifications to the latch structure while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil serves as an intermediary element that couples the electrical measurement system with the mechanical locking element. By measuring the electrical properties of the coil, which are influenced by the position and status of the locking element, the system indirectly detects the locking status without direct mechanical contact or modification.
2Reliability
If additional buttons and magnets are installed for status detection, then detection functionality is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coil serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sensing element for detecting locking status and can potentially serve as part of the actuation mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems (buttons, magnets, sensors) with a simpler electrical measurement system. The coil's electrical properties change based on the locking element's position, allowing status detection through electrical measurements rather than mechanical switches or magnetic sensors.
3Ease of manufacture
If the coil is placed behind the strike plate, then installation is simplified, but detection of door status becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the coil in a specific location (around the locking element or on the face plate) where it can locally interact with the locking element to detect its status. This localized placement ensures that the coil is positioned where the magnetic or electrical field interaction is strongest, enabling accurate detection of the locking element's position and the door's status.
4Reliability
If thicker face plate or strike plate is used to accommodate coil, then coil functionality is improved, but lock dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin-film flexible printed circuit board to carry the coil windings. This allows the coil to be implemented with minimal thickness, avoiding the need to increase the face plate or strike plate thickness. The flexible circuit board can be conformally attached to the locking element, maintaining thin overall dimensions while providing functional coil structure.
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
Enables reliable detection of the locking element and door status with minimal mechanical alteration, maintaining the structural integrity of the lock and door hardware, while reducing power consumption and allowing for retrofitting to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical measured values change both as a result of the status of the locking element and, to a lesser extent, as a result of the status of the door
Implementation Method 2
a sensor is provided for measuring the impedance of the coil while an alternating-voltage signal or alternating-current signal is applied to it
Data Source
AI summary
For simultaneous detection of the state of a locking element (12) and the state of the window or door, a lock (11) or fitting is provided, in which at least one coil (13) is arranged on the face plate (14) or on the strike plate, on the respective outer face thereof, wherein the coil (13) is arranged around the opening for the locking element (12). To determine the state of the door and the state of the bolt, an alternating voltage signal is applied to the coil (13), the impedance of the coil is determined, and said impedance is compared to predetermined values. To increase reliability, successive signals having different frequencies can be applied to the coil (13) and the impedance can be determined at said different frequencies and compared to predetermined values. Alternatively, a plurality of coils can be provided, namely a transmission coil (13a) and at least one receiving coil (13b), and the voltage induced in the receiving coil (13b) can be measured when an alternating voltage is supplied to the transmission coil (13a).