Locking Device Hibernation Mode for Battery Conservation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical locking devices, such as electromechanical locks, often become inoperable when the battery level drops below a certain threshold, leaving users locked out, and existing solutions require external power sources for revival.
Innovation Solution
The locking device enters a hibernating mode when the battery charge falls below specified thresholds, conserving energy and allowing manual awakening, with defined low battery charge warnings and a human-machine interface using capacitive sensing technology for intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking device operates continuously until battery depletion, then the device remains functional, but the battery life is insufficient and the device becomes inoperable when power drops below threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device dynamically adjusts its operational state based on battery charge level. When battery charge exceeds the first threshold, the device operates normally. When charge drops below the threshold, the device transitions to hibernation mode, dynamically adapting its functionality to power availability and preventing complete operational failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by monitoring battery charge level and proactively transitioning to hibernation mode before complete power depletion occurs. This advance preparation ensures the device remains controllable and can be manually awakened, preventing the locked-out scenario where the device becomes completely inoperable.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the device enters hibernation mode to conserve energy, then battery life is extended, but the device becomes less accessible and requires manual awakening
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device provides self-service by automatically monitoring its own battery charge level and autonomously transitioning to hibernation mode when the first threshold is exceeded. This self-monitoring and self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for user intervention to conserve power, while still allowing manual awakening when needed.
3Extent of automation
If multiple battery charge thresholds are defined, then operational control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery charge range is segmented into distinct operational zones defined by thresholds. The first threshold separates normal operation from hibernation mode, while the second threshold (lower than the first) defines the awakening window. This segmentation creates clear, manageable control states that simplify the overall system logic despite multiple thresholds.
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 solution ensures the locking device remains operational until the battery is completely depleted, providing longer usage times and preventing users from being locked out, while allowing controlled access through manual or authorized operations.
Implementation Method 1
a human-machine interface for use with the locking device that uses sensing technology, such as capacitive sensing technology
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5
AI summary
A method is described for operating a locking device, including overriding normal operation of the locking device which is powered by a battery. If a charge of the battery gets lowered to a low battery charge threshold, the locking device goes into a hibernating mode, and the locking device is capable of being awakened for a limited time by a user operation.