Locker Lock Manager Key Override Power Jumper Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-powered electro mechanical locks for storage devices lack efficient and convenient override mechanisms, especially when user codes are forgotten or batteries run low, leading to cumbersome manual intervention for managers.
Innovation Solution
The lock incorporates a manager key input with power jumper contacts and a separate terminal for external power jumping, allowing managers to override locks using a special access device that provides both power and communication, even when user codes are lost or batteries are dead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate manager key device is provided with power jumping capability, then access reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manager key functionality with power jumping capability into a single integrated device. The manager key device includes both the electronic identification means (ibutton) and a separate power jumping device with contacts that engage with the lock's power terminals, allowing the manager to override low-battery conditions without requiring separate equipment or manual contact alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The manager key device serves multiple functions: it provides electronic identification for manager access, delivers power jumping capability when batteries are low, and enables override access when user PIN codes are forgotten. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into one universal tool.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual contact alignment is required for power jumping, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary power jumping device with protruding contacts that automatically align with corresponding terminals inside the lock. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for manual contact alignment by the user, as the device's geometry guides proper positioning and engagement of the electrical contacts during insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic lock device for lockers of similar uses has an input for a user code (keypad or electronic key reader), and a separate input for a manager key. Contacts at the manager key include power jumper contacts, so that when a user is unable to open his assigned locker, whether this is due to a low battery in the lock or failure of the user's key or the user's forgetting a PIN code, the manager key device will open the lock.