Locking Cylinder Antenna Switching for Low-Power Access-Side Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromechanical locking cylinders are complex and consume high levels of power due to multiple transmitting and receiving units, and existing methods for determining the position of access media also consume unnecessary power.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining the position of an access medium using two antenna devices arranged on different access sides of a locking cylinder, with one input signal processing device, and an optional impedance-changing device to analyze signal properties, reducing complexity and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple transmitting and receiving units are used in the locking cylinder, then the position detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antenna devices (first and second antenna devices arranged at different access sides) with a single shared input signal processing device. This merging approach maintains the position detection capability across multiple access sides while reducing the overall number of processing units, thereby lowering device complexity and power consumption compared to having separate processing devices for each antenna.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single input signal processing device is designed to handle signals from multiple antenna devices universally. It can process request signals transmitted by the first antenna device and response signals from the second antenna device, as well as perform impedance analysis for both antennas. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated processing units for each antenna, reducing complexity while maintaining full position detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple transmitting and receiving units operate simultaneously, then the position detection reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic alternating operation of the first and second antenna devices through the shared input signal processing device. Instead of simultaneous operation, the processing device sequentially handles signals from different antennas in periodic time slots. This periodic action maintains detection reliability by ensuring both antennas are monitored while significantly reducing power consumption by avoiding simultaneous high-power operation of all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The input signal processing device dynamically switches between processing signals from the first antenna device and the second antenna device based on which antenna is currently transmitting or receiving. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain reliable position detection by being responsive to both antennas while optimizing power consumption by activating only the necessary signal processing functions at any given moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If separate receiving units are used for each antenna device, then the signal processing accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the signal processing functions for both antenna devices into a single shared input signal processing device. This device performs impedance analysis, signal detection, and position determination for both the first and second antenna devices using unified processing logic. By combining these functions, the system maintains signal processing accuracy through centralized analysis while reducing power consumption by eliminating redundant processing circuits that would be present with separate receiving units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Simplifies the structure and reduces power consumption while ensuring reliable detection of the access medium's activation side by using a simplified antenna configuration and efficient signal processing.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting a request signal via the first antenna device; transmitting a request signal via the second antenna device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an impedance-changing device for one of the antenna devices, comprises the following steps: receiving a signal of an active access medium via at least one of the antenna devices; analyzing properties of the received signal; determining, based on the properties, whether the signal was received by the antenna device to which the impedance-changing device was connected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical impedance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4604084A1Method for determining the position of an access medium and associated locking cylinder
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 AUG WINKHAUS SE
  • EP4604084A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4604084A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4604084A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for determining a position of a passive access medium for an electromechanical locking cylinder having a first antenna device arranged in the region of a first access side and a second antenna device arranged in the region of a second access side, comprises the steps of: transmitting a request signal via the first antenna device; if a response signal is received during a first response time interval, determining that the access medium is arranged on the first access side; transmitting a request signal via the second antenna device; if a response signal is received during a second response time interval, determining that the access medium is arranged on the second access side.