Mechatronic Lock Key System Spring-Loaded Rack Energy Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechatronic lock/key systems that rely on battery power face issues with inconsistent energy generation due to user-dependent key insertion and removal speeds, leading to variable energy output and potential mechanical stress on the torsion spring, which can result in energy breaks and security vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
A mechatronic lock/key system that utilizes a spring-loaded toothed rack mechanism, where the compression spring is tensioned during key removal and relaxed during key insertion, generating consistent energy through a generator drive that stores energy in a capacitor for use by the electronics, eliminating the need for battery operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is used to power the mechatronic lock system, then the system can operate electronically for authentication and control, but the battery lifespan is limited (approximately 50,000 locking operations) and requires replacement or recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own electrical energy through the generator drive mechanism that converts the mechanical movement of the key in the keyway into rotational motion, which drives the generator to produce electricity. This self-powered approach eliminates the need for external battery replacement, as the energy is continuously regenerated during normal lock operation.
2Loss of time
If a generator drive is used to generate electrical energy from key movement, then battery replacement is eliminated, but the energy output varies depending on user insertion and removal speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is pre-tensioned during key removal and stored in a locked position. When the key is inserted, the spring is released and drives the rack to rotate the generator, ensuring a consistent and reliable energy output regardless of the user's insertion speed. The preliminary storage of energy in the spring guarantees sufficient power for authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the key movement and the generator drive. It buffers and regulates the energy transfer, converting variable user input into consistent rotational motion for the generator, thereby ensuring reliable and uniform energy output for electronic authentication.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a torsion spring is used to ensure minimum energy generation, then energy threshold is met, but contact interruptions occur when users apply excessive force to overcome insertion resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is positioned and configured to provide a counterbalancing force that opposes the user's insertion motion. This counterforce ensures that the spring is properly tensioned during key removal, storing the necessary energy for reliable generation during insertion, while preventing excessive force from causing contact interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-tensioned during key removal before the insertion phase begins. This preliminary energy storage ensures that when insertion occurs, the spring releases its stored energy smoothly and consistently, preventing contact interruptions even when users apply varying forces during the insertion process.
4Power
If the rack is moved against a compression spring during key insertion, then energy is generated, but the rotation of the generator drive is influenced solely by user movement speed, leading to variable energy output
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is tensioned in advance during key removal and locked in position. When the key is inserted, the spring is released and drives the rack to rotate the generator, ensuring a consistent and reliable energy output regardless of the user's insertion speed. The preliminary storage of energy in the spring guarantees sufficient power for authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static spring arrangement to a dynamic one where the spring is actively tensioned during key removal and then released during insertion. This dynamic operation allows the spring to consistently drive the generator with uniform energy output, independent of user insertion speed variations.
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
Ensures consistent and reliable energy generation independent of user interaction, reducing mechanical stress and enhancing security by providing a constant energy source without battery constraints.
Implementation Method 1
the compression spring is tensioned by pulling out the key and locked in its tensioned position. When a key is inserted into the lock cylinder, the lock is released and the energy stored in the spring drives a generator
Implementation Method 2
a device for generating electrical energy in the locking cylinder by means of a generator drive that converts the movement of the key in the key channel into rotation
Implementation Method 3
The resulting voltage is temporarily stored in a capacitor on the circuit board and also used directly for communication
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mechatronic lock-key system with a device for generating electrical energy in the lock cylinder (1) by means of a generator drive (5) that converts the movement of the key in the keyway into rotation, wherein the generator drive (5) can be set into rotation by the linear movement of a movable rack (4) which is axially spring-loaded and which, when the key is withdrawn from the keyway, tensions the axially arranged compression spring (6) by taking the rack (4) with it, while when the key is inserted into the keyway the compression spring (6) is relaxed.