Locking Control Circuit Using Electric Field Wake-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices with electronic components face high electrical energy requirements, leading to short operating times when battery-powered and often require complex operation to switch from energy-saving to regular modes.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit that detects electric field changes to switch the locking device from an energy-saving state to a normal operating state, utilizing principles such as electric field detection, electrostatic charge, and RFID ID cards to reduce power consumption and simplify operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are equipped in locking devices for user identification and control, then functionality and user identification capability are improved, but electrical energy consumption increases leading to short operating time
Solution Approach 1:
The control device alternates between a low-power sleep mode and an active operating mode. The control circuit periodically activates the electronic components only when needed (upon detecting a wake-up signal), allowing the locking device to maintain full functionality while dramatically reducing average power consumption to extend battery operating time.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an electromechanical switching element like a push button is provided to activate the locking device, then energy consumption is reduced, but operation becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical push button system with an electric field-based detection system. The control circuit detects changes in the electric field (such as those caused by a person approaching or touching the device) to automatically activate the locking device, eliminating the need for manual mechanical actuation while maintaining low energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If the control device remains in regular operating state continuously, then ease of operation is improved, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device operates in periodic cycles, switching between sleep mode and active operating mode. During sleep mode, power consumption is minimized while the device remains ready to be activated. When a wake-up signal is detected, the device transitions to active mode to handle operations, then returns to sleep mode, thus maintaining operational readiness without continuous high power consumption.
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 approach significantly reduces electrical power consumption, extending battery life and providing simpler, more convenient handling by leveraging electric field changes and electrostatic interactions for activation.
Implementation Method 1
the control circuit is designed to detect an electric field and/or a change in the electric field over time, especially in the area of the locking device
Implementation Method 2
A person approaching the locking device according to the invention causes a deformation of the electric field in the area of the locking device, which, according to one embodiment, can be transformed into a voltage change in a circuit component of the locking device
Implementation Method 3
a person approaching the sensor builds up or carries an electrostatic charge due to a certain property of the floor, shoe soles, or the like
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (100) with at least one electronic consumer, in particular a control device (110), characterized by a control circuit (120) which is configured to move the electronic consumer (110) from a first operating state to a second operating state depending on an electric field.