Multi-Access Lock Design with Energy Harvesting for Low Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock systems are inadequate for transient real estate use and fail to balance versatility with low maintenance and cost-effectiveness, as they often require frequent battery changes and lack versatile access modes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-access mode lock system incorporating self-powered mechanical key, NFC/Bluetooth access, and a numerical code mode, with energy harvesting from key insertion and NFC signals, and a battery-powered numerical code generation system that synchronizes with a cloud server to minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access modes are provided for different real estate uses, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system integrates multiple access modes (mechanical key, NFC, Bluetooth, numerical code) into a single device, allowing one lock to serve diverse real estate uses including permanent residences, transient rentals, and shared spaces. This multi-functionality approach enables the same hardware to adapt to different access requirements without requiring separate locking systems for each use case.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control functionality is segmented into distinct modes (mechanical, wireless, numerical) that can operate independently. Each access mode is implemented as a separate functional module within the lock system, allowing selective activation based on the specific real estate use case, thereby managing complexity through functional segmentation.
2Ease of operation
If battery-powered access modes are added for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but maintenance requirements increase due to frequent battery changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses low-power sleep modes and periodic wake-up cycles for wireless communication functions. The microcontroller remains in deep sleep state between access events, waking only when triggered by NFC, Bluetooth, or numerical code input. This periodic operation pattern dramatically reduces average power consumption, extending battery life from typical monthly replacement cycles to multi-year operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on access mode and usage frequency. Power consumption parameters are optimized by reducing communication duty cycles, lowering display brightness, and implementing aggressive sleep states. These parameter changes enable the battery-powered system to achieve maintenance intervals matching the lock's operational lifetime.
3Use of energy by moving object
If energy harvesting from key insertion is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvesting mechanism is merged with the existing mechanical key cylinder and cam mechanism. The key insertion motion that traditionally only performs locking function is combined with electromagnetic induction to generate power. This merging allows the same mechanical motion to simultaneously achieve security function and energy generation without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional spring-based or cam-based mechanical power transmission with electromagnetic induction for energy harvesting. A magnet attached to the key cylinder generates electrical current through electromagnetic induction when rotated during key insertion, substituting mechanical energy storage with electromagnetic energy conversion. This reduces reliance on precise mechanical tolerances while maintaining energy harvesting effectiveness.
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 system provides a low-maintenance, cost-effective lock solution with multiple access modes, extending battery life up to 20 years by minimizing power consumption through energy harvesting and reducing the need for battery changes.
Implementation Method 1
the mechanical insertion of the key into the keyhole is converted into electrical energy that is used to power the lock. Similarly, the mechanical rotation of the key in the keyhole can be converted into electrical energy used to power the lock
Implementation Method 2
NFC transmitter and/or receiver is configured to collect electromagnetic energy from the NFC signal and power the locking mechanism using this energy
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to locks. More particularly, the invention relates to a lock (200) that can be used to lock a door, and which features multiple modes to access the lock in order to open or close the lock. The inventive lock combines different power sources with different access technologies resulting in a lock that will remain functional for a very long time without maintenance.