Electronic Lock Interface Circuitry for Secure Key-Powered Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic locks powered by conductive electronic keys are vulnerable to external attacks due to exposed conductive interfaces, and existing solutions like batteries or wired power have inconveniences or high installation costs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock design with interface circuitry and a microcontroller that dynamically controls power transfer and communication, using a dual terminal connection to prevent direct conductive contact with the microcontroller, and includes a rectifier diode bypass mechanism to enhance security and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic lock uses a conductive interface to be powered by an electronic key, then the lock eliminates the need for internal power sources and reduces maintenance, but the exposed conductive interface creates vulnerability to external attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces interface circuitry as an intermediary component between the conductive interface and the microcontroller. This interface circuitry acts as a mediator that enables power transfer from the electronic key while preventing direct access to the microcontroller, thus resolving the contradiction between power supply convenience and security vulnerability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the internal architecture by separating the conductive interface from the microcontroller through dedicated interface circuitry. This segmentation allows the conductive interface to perform its power transfer function while the microcontroller remains protected, addressing both the power supply convenience and security concerns
2Device complexity
If the electronic lock maintains a direct conductive connection to the microcontroller for communication, then the communication is simple and direct, but the microcontroller becomes exposed to external attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The interface circuitry serves as an intermediary communication layer between the conductive interface and the microcontroller. It handles data encoding and decoding functions, enabling simple communication while keeping the microcontroller isolated from direct external access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the communication handling functions from the microcontroller and places them in the interface circuitry. This extraction allows the microcontroller to focus on core processing while the interface circuitry manages external communication, reducing the microcontroller's exposure to attacks
3Power
If the electronic lock allows continuous power transfer from the electronic key, then the lock has sufficient power for operation, but the power consumption increases and the electronic key drains faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic power transfer through the rectifier diode bypass mechanism. Power is transferred in controlled periods when needed for operation, rather than continuously, which reduces energy loss while ensuring sufficient operational power availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the rectifier diode bypass mechanism that adjusts power transfer based on operational needs. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between power availability and energy conservation, allowing the system to adapt power consumption to actual requirements
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 design reduces vulnerability to attacks and minimizes power consumption by controlling power transfer and communication, eliminating the need for internal power sources and reducing maintenance, while ensuring reliable operation and enhanced security.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic lock may further comprise a rectifier diode, in which case the interface circuitry is configured to bypass the rectifier diode provided external to the interface circuitry when signalled by the microcontroller
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided an electronic lock (20) comprising interface circuitry (4) and a microcontroller (5); wherein the interface circuitry (4) is configured to dynamically respond to a query signal from a conductively connected electronic key (2), to enable the electronic key (2) to detect presence of the electronic lock (20); wherein the interface circuitry (4) is further configured to decode incoming data from the electronic key (2) for forwarding to the microcontroller (5), and to encode outgoing data from the microcontroller (5) for forwarding to the electronic key (2); wherein the interface circuitry (4) is further configured to control when power is transferred from the electronic key (2) to the microcontroller (5); and wherein the microcontroller (5) is connected to the interface circuitry (4) for communicating with the electronic key (2) and for receiving power from the electronic key (2).