Electronic Locker Activation via BLE and Periodic Wake-Up
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locker systems powered by batteries face inefficiencies in energy consumption and require specialized NFC cards for activation, limiting accessibility and convenience for users without NFC technology.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication between smartphones and electronic locks for activation, enabling users to open, close, and manage lockers while maintaining low battery consumption, without the need for additional NFC cards or devices, through a mobile application that generates access licenses and pairs with the locks via encrypted handshakes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RFID/NFC communication is used for lock activation, then the lock can detect user cards, but users without NFC technology cannot operate the locks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal activation system that works with all smartphones regardless of NFC capability. The electronic lock can be activated through multiple channels: RFID/NFC cards for traditional devices, Bluetooth Low Energy for smartphones, and manual keypad input, making the system universally accessible to all user types without requiring specialized hardware
2Ease of operation
If the electronic lock is continuously powered on to receive activation signals, then it can immediately respond to users, but the battery consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock implements periodic wake-up cycles where the microcontroller enters low-power sleep mode and periodically wakes up to check for activation signals. The system monitors for RFID/NFC cards, Bluetooth connections, or keypad input during these periodic intervals, maintaining the ability to respond to users while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system automatically manages its own power state by detecting the presence of activation signals during wake-up periods and transitioning to active mode only when needed. The microcontroller autonomously handles the sleep-wake cycle management, signal detection, and mode switching without requiring external power control, optimizing battery usage while maintaining operational readiness
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 significantly extends the battery life of electronic locks to over two years, enhances user convenience by allowing smartphone-based operation, and integrates energy-saving features while maintaining low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the activation of the electronic locks is performed by means of a mobile device (i.e., smartphone, smart watch) with Bluetooth Low Energy communication (BLE)
Implementation Method 2
The sensor of the electronic lock can be, among others, an LPCD sensor, a capacitive sensor or an infrared sensor
Implementation Method 3
The pairing is preferably performed by means of an encrypted handshake
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for activating electronic lockers is provided which is carried out by sending to a central access control unit an access request for at least one locker operated with an electronic lock; generating an access license which includes a user profile and the identifier of at least one electronic lock; obtaining, through an application of a mobile device, the contents of the access license; manually activating the electronic lock; detecting the activation and sending, with the electronic lock, a BLE signal containing an identifier of the electronic lock; automatically pairing through the BLE, the mobile device with the electronic lock; and wirelessly operating, through the BLE communication and the application of the mobile device, the previously-paired electronic lock.