Locking Cylinder RFID Transponder Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock cylinders with identifying information, such as embossed or engraved details, become inaccessible when installed and can only be read by disassembling the lock, posing a challenge for reordering or managing locking systems.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an RFID transponder within the lock cylinder's housing, accessible via a receiving unit on the cylinder's front side, allowing electronic identification while protected from mechanical access, using an NFC-compatible RFID transponder with an integrated antenna and encrypted information storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If identifying information is provided on the lock cylinder through embossing, engraving or inscriptions, then the information is permanently marked on the cylinder, but the information becomes inaccessible when the lock cylinder is installed and can only be made accessible by dismantling the lock cylinder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermanent markingVSAvoidinformation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical identification methods (embossing, engraving, inscriptions) with an electronic RFID identification system. The RFID transponder provides permanent electronic identification that can be read remotely through the receiving unit, eliminating the need for physical disassembly to access identification information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an RFID transponder as an intermediary carrier for identification information. Instead of directly marking the cylinder surface, the identification data is stored electronically in the transponder and accessed through electromagnetic fields, allowing remote reading without mechanical access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the lock cylinder is assembled with all components in place, then the lock cylinder is ready for installation and use, but the identifying information becomes hidden and inaccessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly readinessVSAvoididentifying information accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical information storage (visible engravings on the assembled cylinder) with an electronic RFID system that maintains information accessibility after assembly. The receiving unit allows external reading of the RFID transponder without requiring disassembly, preserving information access while maintaining assembly integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the RFID transponder is placed on the front side of the cylinder housing, then the identification unit is visible and accessible when installed, but the transponder may be vulnerable to mechanical access or damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation accessibilityVSAvoidmechanical access vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places the RFID transponder inside a receiving unit that is integrated into the cylinder housing structure. The transponder is nested within the housing rather than exposed on the surface, providing mechanical protection while maintaining electromagnetic accessibility through the receiving unit for remote reading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving unit acts as a protective shell or enclosure for the RFID transponder. This shell structure protects the transponder from mechanical damage and unauthorized access while allowing electromagnetic fields to penetrate for reading the identification information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enables easy reading of lock cylinder information, including unique identifiers and authorization data, without disassembly, enhancing management and security of locking systems, especially in large setups.

Implementation Method 1

an RFID transponder and a receiving unit for the RFID transponder, which is connected to the cylinder housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the receiving unit has a wall section on its rear side for arranging a magnetic shielding film. This improves the readability of the RFID transponder on a metallic cylinder housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic shielding: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3059360B1Locking cylinder

Publication Date: 2020.05.20 BKS

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking cylinder (10) with a key-operated locking core (14) rotatable in a cylinder housing (12), wherein an identification unit (24) is provided on the front (20) of the cylinder housing (12), which comprises an RFID transponder (28) and a receiving unit (26) for the RFID transponder (28) connected to the cylinder housing (12).