Electromechanical Lock Infrared Alignment and RF Powering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical locks lack precise position detection, allowing bolt engagement when the lock mechanism is not exactly opposite the striker plate, leading to inaccurate locking and unnecessary functional clearance.
Innovation Solution
The electromechanical lock incorporates a directional infrared transmitter and receiver, along with a radiofrequency electromagnetic generator to ensure precise alignment and power the transmitter, allowing bolt engagement only when the lock mechanism is exactly opposite the keeper, utilizing a directional infrared signal and efficient energy transfer through aligned coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transponder with coded signal transmitter and receiver is installed to enable remote control of the lock mechanism, then the lock can be operated remotely, but the low directivity of the transmitter allows operation when the lock mechanism is approaching the strike plate rather than exclusively when exactly next to it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary directional infrared signal transmission system between the lock mechanism and strike plate. The infrared transmitter in the strike plate and infrared receiver in the lock mechanism act as mediators that provide precise directional alignment detection, solving the position accuracy problem while maintaining remote operation capability through the RF-transponder system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical proximity detection method with an optical detection system using directional infrared transmitters and receivers. This substitution enables precise angular and positional detection without mechanical contact, resolving the contradiction between remote operation and position precision.
2Reliability
If a large functional clearance is provided between the bolt and striker to ensure reliable engagement, then the locking mechanism is more reliable, but the detection accuracy of relative position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical clearance-based reliability with an optical alignment detection system. The directional infrared transmitter and receiver provide precise position detection that ensures reliable engagement without requiring large functional clearances, as the optical system can detect misalignment at much smaller distances than mechanical tolerance stacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an optical detection dimension to the mechanical locking system. By introducing infrared signal transmission as an additional detection dimension, the system achieves high position detection accuracy without compromising mechanical reliability, as the optical system operates independently from the mechanical clearance requirements.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the infrared transmitter is powered by a battery or wired connection, then the transmitter can operate continuously, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service power supply system where the infrared transmitter in the strike plate is powered wirelessly through electromagnetic induction from the RF generator in the lock mechanism. The transmitter serves itself by harvesting energy from the electromagnetic field during the approach and engagement process, eliminating the need for batteries or wired power connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF generator in the lock mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides remote power to the transponder system and simultaneously powers the infrared transmitter in the strike plate through electromagnetic induction. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating dedicated power supply 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
This solution achieves high detection accuracy and efficient energy use, ensuring the bolt is actuated only when the door is in the correct closed position, eliminating the need for large functional clearance and reducing energy dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
a radiofrequency electromagnetic generator intended to remotely power said transmitter
Implementation Method 2
said electromagnetic transmitter consists of a directional infrared transmitter housed in said strike plate and oriented towards said receiver which is housed in said lock mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The electromechanical lock, comprising a bolt actuating mechanism (12) and a catch plate (14) with a corresponding electromagnetic emitter (24) and receiver (26) and a feeder, has the emitter in the form of a directional infrared emitter in the catch plate, facing towards an infrared receiver in the lock mechanism. The feeder consists of an electromagnetic radio-frequency generator (32) designed to produce electromagnetic energy delivered remotely to the emitter, and an electro- magnetic radio-frequency receiver (40) that collects the electromechanical energy and is located in the catch plate.