Electronic Lock Wake-Up Control Using Handle-Driven Magnetic Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic locks require power to function, which can be a challenge due to the need for battery replacement or recharging, and existing solutions do not efficiently manage power states or provide intuitive user interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly with an access control module that includes a magnetically controllable switch and a rotary member with a magnet, allowing the processor to be powered or unpowered based on the door handle's rotational position, thereby efficiently managing power states and providing an intuitive user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the processor is continuously powered to maintain access control functionality, then the lock assembly can respond immediately to user input, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions the processor between powered and unpowered states based on operational needs. The magnetically controllable switch enables the processor to be powered when the door handle is manipulated and unpowered during idle periods, optimizing the balance between responsiveness and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor operates in periodic cycles, being activated only when needed (when magnetic field changes indicate door handle manipulation) and deactivated during idle periods. This periodic operation pattern reduces overall power consumption while maintaining necessary functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the processor is unpowered to conserve battery life, then power consumption decreases, but the lock assembly cannot respond to user input or perform access control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for user interaction by using the magnetically controllable switch to detect door handle manipulation in advance. When the magnet detects movement of the rotary member (indicating handle manipulation), it immediately activates the processor, ensuring readiness before actual user input is processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces continuous electrical power supply with a magnetic field-based activation mechanism. The magnetically controllable switch uses magnetic field changes (from rotary member movement) to trigger processor activation, substituting mechanical continuous operation with magnetic field-triggered intermittent operation.
3Loss of energy
If a magnetically controllable switch is added to control processor power states, then power management efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetically controllable switch serves multiple functions: it acts as a power control switch for the processor, a sensor for detecting door handle manipulation, and a trigger for wake-up events. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetically controllable switch acts as an intermediary component between the mechanical rotary member and the electronic processor. It translates mechanical movement (detected via magnetic field changes) into electrical control signals, enabling efficient power management without requiring direct mechanical-electrical coupling.
4Ease of operation
If the rotary member with magnet is used to detect door handle manipulation, then user interface intuitiveness improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotary member (mechanical component) with a magnet to create a unified detection mechanism. This combined component integrates mechanical movement detection with magnetic field generation, simplifying the overall structure compared to using separate mechanical sensors and magnetic 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
The solution allows for extremely low standby power usage while providing a robust and intuitive user interface to wake up the access control module, enabling efficient power management and seamless user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary member comprises a magnet for controlling the state of the magnetically controllable switch such that the processor is unpowered when a connected handle is in a first state
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly for controlling its power state, the lock assembly being configured to control access to a restricted physical space secured by a door. The lock assembly comprises: an access control module , configured to selectively control the lock assembly to be in an unlocked state or a locked state, wherein the access control module comprises a processor and a magnetically controllable switch, configured to control an operative state of the processor based on an applied magnetic field; and a rotary member configured to rotate when a connected door handle rotates. The rotary member comprises a magnet for controlling the state of the magnetically controllable switch.