Miniature Electronic Combination Lock with Solenoid Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combination locks are cumbersome, time-consuming, and limited in code choices, making them difficult to use and requiring manual dial adjustments, which is not suitable for small electronic locks, and existing electronic locks are bulky and inefficient in terms of battery power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A compact electronic combination lock with a miniaturized system including a visual display, joystick or touch sensor, microcontroller, and solenoid, allowing for easy access code entry and low power consumption, featuring automatic power management and a separate electronic key for backup and unlocking functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical combination locks are used, then locking function is provided, but the device is cumbersome and time-consuming to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical dial-adjustment system with an electronic display and input interface. The microcontroller processes user input through electronic means (button presses, touch, or joystick) rather than mechanical rotation, eliminating the need to manually adjust multiple rotating dials and significantly reducing the time and effort required to enter combination codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a visual display unit to present the combination code to the user in a readable format, replacing the need for users to interpret small inscribed digits on rotating dials. The electronic system copies the combination information in a visually accessible form, making code entry faster and less error-prone.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional combination locks with small inscribed digits are used, then compact size is achieved, but reading and adjusting digits becomes tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dials with inscribed digits with an electronic display unit that shows large, clear digital representations of the combination code. This substitution maintains compact size while dramatically improving readability and ease of interaction, as users can see the code clearly on the display without needing to interpret small inscribed numbers.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual display unit can utilize different colors, brightness levels, and visual indicators to enhance the readability of the combination code. The display can show digits in high-contrast colors and can illuminate or highlight specific portions of the code, making it easily readable even in small form factor devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing electronic locks are used, then electronic identification is provided, but the device is bulky and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microcontroller and highly integrated electronic components that have been miniaturized through advances in semiconductor technology. The system uses low-power display technologies and efficient power management circuits, allowing electronic identification functionality to be achieved in a compact form factor with reduced power consumption compared to earlier electronic lock designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functional components (microcontroller, display, sensors, power management) into a nested, hierarchical structure where smaller components are embedded within larger assemblies. This nesting approach allows the electronic lock to achieve compact size while maintaining all necessary electronic identification and control functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing electronic locks are used, then electronic identification is provided, but battery power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the visual display unit that can be activated only when needed (when the user needs to enter or view the combination code). The system uses sleep modes and periodic updates rather than continuous operation, significantly reducing battery power consumption while maintaining electronic identification functionality when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes low-power electronic components and optimizes power consumption parameters through efficient microcontroller coding and display management. The system dynamically adjusts its power usage based on operational state, using minimal power during idle periods and providing full electronic identification functionality only when activated, thereby achieving low battery consumption without sacrificing adaptability.
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 provides a user-friendly, high-security locking system with vast code variety, low power consumption, and ease of use, replacing conventional combination locks with a miniature, compact design.
Implementation Method 1
miniaturized toggle solenoid
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an electronic combination lock mainly characterized by miniature size and easy-to-use electronic identification access-gaining method that enables a vast variety and type of access codes for user setting and choice. Another battery operated electronic key unit, incorporated with programmed access code to provide as an alternative choice for locking, unlocking and backup power, can be used in conjunction with the electronic combination lock.