Locker Combination Lock with Electronic Override Key
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical combination locks for lockers are labor-intensive and costly to rekey, especially when administrators need to reset combinations for new users or replace lost keys, and they often require battery storage which adds complexity.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical combination lock with an electronic key override that mounts to a standard three-hole locker door, featuring a microcontroller and actuator system powered by an external electrical input, allowing for easy programmability and override functionality without internal batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical combination lock with mechanical key override is used, then the lock can be opened and rekeyed by administrators, but the rekeying process is labor-intensive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key override system with an electronic key system. The electronic key uses a microprocessor to read a code from the electronic key and control an actuator to move the locking slider, eliminating the need for mechanical rekeying operations. This substitution dramatically reduces the time and labor required for administrators to override and reset combinations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electronic lock with battery power is used, then the lock can provide electronic override functionality, but the battery storage adds complexity to the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the lock body and places it entirely within the electronic key. The lock contains only the microprocessor, actuator, and locking mechanism, while the battery is located in the portable electronic key. This extraction eliminates battery storage complexity from the lock while preserving electronic override functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic key is designed to be self-powered with its own battery, eliminating the need for the lock to provide power storage or power management circuitry. The key independently powers the communication interface and code transmission functions, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If a mechanical combination lock is used, then the lock provides secure mechanical locking, but it requires labor-intensive rekeying when combinations need to be reset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical combination and rekeying system with an electronic system that maintains secure locking while dramatically improving administrative efficiency. The microprocessor-controlled actuator system allows rapid electronic overrides and combination resets without the labor-intensive mechanical rekeying process, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining reliability.
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 simplifies the rekeying process, reduces labor and costs, and provides a versatile, battery-free electronic override mechanism for administrators, enhancing convenience and security.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator is in communication with the microcontroller and is operatively coupled to the locking slider, wherein upon receipt of a predetermined credential by the microcontroller, the microcontroller is configured to instruct that actuator to translate the locking slider into the recess of the drive shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination lock can be operated manually via the manipulation of dials and by way of an electronic key. The lock includes one or more rotatable selectors each having multiple indicia disposed thereon. Rotation of the rotatable selectors to predetermined indicia places the lock in the unlocked position. The lock can further include an electronic port and an actuator. Upon receipt of a predetermined credential via the port, the actuator can place the lock in in the unlocked position. The lock further includes a knob that, when the lock is in the unlocked position, can be rotated between a first position in which the lock is in a closed position and a second position in which the lock is in an open position.