Magnetic Wake-Up Lock for Low-Power Contactless Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock devices with wireless communication consume excessive power due to frequent pinging to detect the presence of a key device, leading to rapid depletion of self-contained power sources and frequent battery replacements.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically controllable switch is used to power the electronic lock module only when a sufficiently strong magnetic field is present, aligning key and lock antennas for efficient wireless communication, and a magnetic-metal plate assists in aligning the key device with the lock device, reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock device uses wireless communication with frequent pinging to detect key device presence, then the convenience of contactless access is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lock device transitions from continuous or frequent periodic pinging to event-triggered periodic action. The magnetically controllable switch remains idle until a key device with a magnet approaches, at which point it closes to trigger the electronic lock module to wake up and perform wireless communication. This converts continuous power consumption into intermittent action only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the magnetic field from the key device itself to activate the lock device. The magnet on the key device automatically closes the magnetically controllable switch when brought near, eliminating the need for the lock device to actively ping and detect presence. The key device's magnetic field serves as the trigger signal.
2Speed
If the lock device continuously monitors for key device presence, then access responsiveness is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock module operates in sleep mode most of the time and only wakes up when the magnetically controllable switch closes due to the presence of a magnet. This periodic activation based on magnetic field detection maintains access responsiveness while dramatically extending battery life compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetically controllable switch acts as an intermediary between the magnetic field detection and the electronic lock module. It translates the presence of a magnet into an activation signal, allowing the system to respond quickly when needed while remaining dormant otherwise, thus balancing responsiveness and battery life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lock device uses a self-contained power source, then installation flexibility is improved, but power consumption must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The lock device uses periodic action by keeping the electronic lock module in sleep mode and only activating it when the magnetically controllable switch closes. This minimizes average power consumption to levels suitable for self-contained power sources while maintaining full functionality when needed, enabling installation flexibility without excessive battery replacement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power consumption parameter dynamically - the electronic lock module operates at full power only when activated by the magnetic field, and consumes minimal power in sleep mode. This parameter change allows the use of smaller, more flexible self-contained power sources that would be insufficient for continuously operating systems.
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
Significantly reduces power consumption by eliminating unnecessary polling, extends battery life, and provides a convenient user experience with efficient alignment and communication.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet configured to close a magnetically controllable switch of the lock device to thereby power the lock device
Implementation Method 2
a magnetically controllable switch provided between the power source and the electronic lock module
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic-metal plate provided in a position to direct the key device to align a key antenna of the key device with a lock antenna of the lock device
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
It is provided a system comprising a lock device and a key device for use in access control to a physical space. The key device comprises: an electronic key module configured to communicate with an electronic lock module of the lock device for access control; and a permanent magnet configured to close a magnetically controllable switch of the lock device to thereby power an electronic lock module of the lock device. The lock device comprises: the electronic lock module configured to communicate with the electronic key module to evaluate whether to grant access; a power source; and the magnetically controllable switch provided between the power source and the electronic lock module such that the magnetically controllable switch is closable by the permanent magnet of the key device to power the electronic lock module.