Electronic Circuit for Lock Controller Pulse Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic locks, particularly those with solenoid actuators, consume substantial energy when continuously held in a non-default position, and existing technologies fail to efficiently reduce energy usage while maintaining quality and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method that converts legacy pulses to modified pulses of reduced duration and voltage, utilizing a microcontroller and power storage circuit to control solenoid and motor actuators, reducing energy consumption by operating at lower voltages and durations, and detecting control signals for solenoid locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solenoid actuators are used to hold locks in non-default positions, then locking reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using momentary pulses instead of continuous power application. The controller receives momentary legacy pulses from the controller and converts them to modified momentary pulses for the actuator, enabling the lock to be held in position without continuous energy input. This allows solenoid actuators to maintain locking state intermittently rather than continuously, dramatically reducing energy consumption while preserving reliability.
2Reliability
If legacy pulse durations and voltages are maintained, then actuator reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temporal and electrical characteristics of control pulses. The controller converts legacy pulses with standard durations (e.g., 50-80 milliseconds) and voltages (e.g., 5-9 volts) into modified pulses with reduced duration and voltage parameters. This parameter optimization maintains sufficient actuator actuation reliability while substantially reducing the energy consumed during each locking operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple legacy lock types are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single controller circuit that can handle multiple legacy lock types through unified pulse reception and conversion functionality. The controller is configured to receive various legacy pulse formats from different lock controllers and translate them into standardized modified pulses suitable for motor actuators. This multi-functional capability provides broad compatibility across different legacy systems without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each lock type, thereby maintaining adaptability while controlling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic circuit to capture legacy lock controller pulses and reduce the energy consumed. The legacy pulse is captured, converted to power to power the circuit and the direction of the pulse—polarity—is determined. A substitute pulse is created at lower power and sent to a motor actuator in the lock. The total power consumed is substantially reduced by reducing the duration and voltage of the pulse. In the preferred design, the circuit also detects control voltages for solenoid locks and produces suitable control signals for a motor actuator.