Locking Device Self-Powering Generator Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic locking devices face issues with unnatural handling and the requirement of an actuating element for electricity generation, limiting their energy self-sufficiency and compatibility with purely electronic authentication.

Innovation Solution

The locking device incorporates an electrical generator with its movable part arranged in the cylinder core or handle, allowing for energy generation independent of rotational position, using a generator drive member that interacts with the movable part to produce electricity for authentication and clutch operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a flywheel generator is used to generate electrical energy, then energy self-sufficiency is improved, but handling becomes unnatural and requires initial idle rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy self-sufficiencyVSAvoidhandling
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The generator is divided into two independent parts: a flywheel for energy storage and a separate drive mechanism for energy generation. The drive mechanism includes a key that can be inserted into a keyway and rotated independently to generate electrical energy, separating the energy storage function from the energy generation function and allowing for more intuitive operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by storing electrical energy in the flywheel during idle rotation or previous operations. When the key is inserted and rotated to generate energy, the stored energy in the flywheel immediately becomes available to power the authentication device and coupling, eliminating the need for initial idle rotation and providing immediate functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If a key is required to generate power, then energy generation is achieved, but compatibility with purely electronic authentication is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy generationVSAvoidcompatibility with electronic authentication
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The key serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a mechanical key for traditional locking mechanisms and as an energy generation actuator for the flywheel generator. The key can be inserted into the keyway to generate electrical energy, and the same key can be used for purely electronic authentication without requiring separate actuating elements, thereby achieving multi-functionality and enhancing compatibility with various authentication methods.

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

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 design enables a self-sufficient, user-friendly operation similar to conventional knob cylinders with battery power, allowing for efficient energy generation and electronic authentication without the need for additional actuating elements.

Implementation Method 1

the generator comprises at least one movable part whose movement can be converted into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4239148B1Locking device
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 EVVA SICHERHEITSTECHNOLOGIE GMBH
  • EP4239148B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

A locking device comprising - a locking cylinder (1) with a rotatable cylinder core (3) at least partially enclosed in a housing (2) and a locking element (6) for actuating a locking element, - an electrically actuated coupling (5) for selectively connecting or disconnecting a rotary movement of the cylinder core (3) with the orfrom the locking element (6), - an electronic authentication device (7) for authenticating an electronic access authorization, which interacts with the coupling (5) to actuate the coupling (5) when an access authorization is present, - an electric generator (9, 14) that supplies the authentication device (7) and/or the coupling (5) with electrical energy, wherein the generator (9, 14) comprises at least one movable part (10, 15) whose movement can be converted into electrical energy, - a handle (4) non-rotatably connected to the cylinder core (3), wherein the movable part (10, 15) of the electric generator (9, 14) is arranged in the cylinder core (3) or the handle (4) and is movable relative to the cylinder core (3), and wherein a recess (12, 17) extending through the handle (4) to the movable part (10, 15) of the generator (9, 14) is provided for the slidable reception of a Generator drive element (11,18) is provided.