Electric Lock Power Control for Coil Duty and Peak Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control systems for electric lock mechanisms face inefficiencies due to high peak currents during simultaneous activation and wasteful power consumption in fail-safe and fail-secure systems, as well as the need for optimized power delivery to actuators with varying profiles.
Innovation Solution
A power control system utilizing a microcontroller with a look-up table to select duty ratios for solenoids and staggering power output to multiple actuators, along with a sleep mode to reduce power draw when not in use, ensuring efficient power delivery and minimizing peak currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is continuously supplied to solenoids in fail-safe and fail-secure systems, then the lock mechanism remains reliably locked, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic duty cycling where solenoids are activated in alternating intervals rather than continuously. The controller alternates between activating the first solenoid and the second solenoid, allowing each to remain energized only during its designated time period. This periodic action maintains the locked state through alternating engagement while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation of both solenoids.
2Speed
If multiple actuators are activated simultaneously, then access control response time is improved, but peak current demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent detects when multiple actuators require activation and preemptively staggers their power delivery. Before simultaneously demanding full current to multiple actuators, the controller sequences their activation, delivering power to the first actuator, then subsequently to the second actuator. This preliminary sequencing action prevents peak current surges while still achieving rapid access control response through coordinated activation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If duty ratio is optimized for each actuator type, then power efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies the duty ratio parameter based on the specific actuator type being driven. The controller is configured to provide different duty cycles for different actuator types (e.g., solenoids versus motors), optimizing power efficiency for each actuator's specific electrical and mechanical characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows tailored power delivery that matches each actuator's requirements without requiring fundamentally different control architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a single multi-functional controller that handles diverse actuator types through programmable logic. Rather than requiring separate dedicated controllers for each actuator type, this universal controller can adapt its output characteristics based on which actuator is being driven. The controller integrates multiple functions including duty cycle adjustment, staggered activation sequencing, and actuator-type-specific parameter optimization within one device, reducing overall system complexity.
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 significant energy savings by optimizing power delivery to electric lock mechanisms, reducing peak currents during simultaneous activation and minimizing standby power consumption, resulting in improved power efficiency and reduced energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
solenoids are often used as the driver to actuate many types of electromechanical devices
Implementation Method 2
the solenoid returns to its default locked or unlocked state
Data Source
AI summary
A power control system for use with an electric lock mechanism including an actuator having a coil with a particular coil impedance. The power control system comprises a power supply configured to provide an output voltage having a drive current to the actuator, a credential device powered by the power supply and configured to signal the power supply to provide the output voltage upon receiving an authorized access code, an actuator driver including a multiple-gain current-sensing circuit, and a microcontroller configured to monitor and control the power supply, credential device, actuator driver, and actuator, and determine the impedance of the coil. The microcontroller is populated by a look-up table having performance data for a plurality of coils such that the microcontroller selects a duty ratio to establish the optimum magnitude of drive current to the coil based only on the determined impedance of the coil.