Microcontroller Control Circuit for Electric Door Strike Solenoids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric unlocking devices face challenges such as human error during installation, high heat dissipation, and compatibility issues due to varying supply voltages, which complicate the installation and configuration of electric door strikes and other locking systems.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit utilizing a microcontroller for pulse width modulation, over current protection, automatic voltage level selection, and visual diagnostics through light emitting diodes to simplify installation, reduce heat dissipation, and enhance compatibility with existing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a microcontroller with pulse width modulation is used for voltage control, then heat dissipation is reduced and compatibility with varying voltage levels is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller dynamically changes the voltage parameter delivered to the actuating coil based on detected coil characteristics and requirements. By adjusting voltage levels and using pulse width modulation, the system optimizes power delivery to minimize heat dissipation while adapting to different coil specifications, thereby resolving the contradiction between reduced heat and increased control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple types of actuating coils across different voltage levels (12V, 24V, 40V DC and 12V, 16V, 24V AC). The microcontroller implements multiple functions including voltage detection, pulse width modulation, over-current protection, and diagnostic capabilities in a single integrated unit, reducing the need for multiple separate components and mitigating the complexity issue.
2Ease of operation
If automatic voltage level selection is implemented, then ease of installation is improved and human error is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs self-diagnosis and automatically detects the appropriate voltage level for the connected actuating coil without requiring manual configuration by the installer. The microcontroller monitors electrical characteristics and autonomously configures the output parameters, eliminating the need for installer knowledge of coil specifications and reducing installation errors while consolidating complexity into the automated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the microcontroller monitors the electrical characteristics of the connected actuating coil and adjusts its operation accordingly. This closed-loop control enables automatic voltage level selection and provides diagnostic information through LEDs, simplifying installation by eliminating manual configuration while the feedback processing is handled internally by the microcontroller.
3Reliability
If over current protection and diagnostic features are added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protection and diagnostic functions are merged into the microcontroller unit. The system combines over-current protection, voltage level detection, operational diagnostics, and communication interfaces within a single integrated control circuit. This consolidation provides comprehensive reliability features while managing complexity through integration rather than separate discrete components.
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
The solution minimizes human error, reduces heat dissipation, and provides universal connectivity and diagnostic feedback, ensuring reliable and efficient operation of electric unlocking devices across varying voltage ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid that drives the strike to unlock the door
Implementation Method 2
visual notification/diagnostics
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for an enhanced and user friendly control circuit for an electric unlocking device, such as for example, an electric door strike or other unlocking devices utilizing actuating solenoids. The control circuit minimizes the potential for human error while also providing a small footprint, minimal DC in-rush current, over current protection, and minimized heat dissipation. Additionally, the present invention is directed to providing visual notification/diagnostics and improved field compatibility with existing electric unlocking devices.