Locking Device Motor Coupling for Battery-Free Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking devices, especially those without a power supply or battery, face issues with maintaining functionality over long periods of inactivity due to battery discharge or leakage, and are not suitable for applications with limited space or where external power is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with an electronic module and electric motor that can act as a generator when actuated, allowing for autonomous operation without external power, featuring a dual coupling state mechanism where the motor drives a blocking or coupling device for locking and unlocking, and incorporates a mechanical key for secure energy storage and actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery is used to power the electronic module and motor in locking devices, then the lock can operate electronically, but the battery may discharge or leak after long periods of inactivity, compromising reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery from the locking device entirely, extracting the energy storage component that causes reliability issues during long-term storage. The electronic module and motor are designed to operate without a permanent power source, eliminating the risk of battery discharge or leakage while maintaining electronic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to harvest energy from the actuating element during normal operation. When the actuating element is moved, it generates electrical energy through electromagnetic induction that powers the electronic module and motor, allowing the system to service itself without external power sources or batteries.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a battery compartment is provided for power supply, then the lock can be battery-powered, but this increases device complexity and is not suitable for confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element serves multiple functions: it mechanically actuates the locking mechanism, generates electrical energy for the electronic module, and charges the motor for subsequent operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate battery compartments and power management components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mechanical actuation mechanism with the electrical energy generation system. The actuating element is integrated with the motor and electronic module such that one component serves multiple purposes, eliminating the need for separate battery compartments and reducing overall device complexity.
3Speed
If the motor is always coupled to the blocking device for immediate unlocking, then responsiveness is improved, but the motor cannot be used to generate energy when the actuating element is moved
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the motor and blocking device is made dynamic rather than fixed. The motor can be selectively coupled to the actuating element for energy generation, and separately coupled to the blocking device for unlocking operations. This dynamic coupling allows the system to switch between energy harvesting mode and unlocking mode, achieving both energy generation capability and responsive unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the motor's coupling functions into separate operational phases. During the actuation phase, the motor is coupled to the actuating element to generate energy. During the unlocking phase, the motor is coupled to the blocking device to provide rapid unlocking. This segmentation allows the motor to fulfill both energy generation and rapid response requirements without compromise.
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 reliable, battery-independent operation in confined spaces, ensuring the lock remains functional over extended periods without maintenance, suitable for applications like padlocks and other secure systems where power supply is limited or unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
the motor being coupled to an actuating element in the first coupling state and acting as a generator when the actuating element is actuated
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device comprising a known electronic module for receiving data from an identification unit, (the latter can be designed as a card, e.g. chip card or can take another form and can optionally perform other functions) and an electric motor for actuating a blocking and/or coupling unit for the lock, the motor being controlled by the electronic module. According to the invention, the locking device is characterised in that it can be brought into a first and second coupling state. In the first coupling state, the motor is coupled to an actuating element and when said element is actuated said motor acts as a generator. In a second coupling state, the motor is coupled to the blocking and/or coupling unit and can unlock the lock by the actuation of said unit.