Portable Lock With Sensor-Based Occupancy Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable locks lack flexibility and comfort in use, as they often require specific orientations and configurations for securing parts, limiting their applicability and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A portable lock with a lock body equipped with at least two sensors for detecting securing parts and an evaluation and control circuit to determine the occupancy state, allowing for flexible use with various securing parts and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional portable locks are designed with fixed locking mechanisms, then the locking function is simple and reliable, but the flexibility and adaptability to different securing parts and orientations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body is designed with multiple sensors that can detect different types of securing parts (U hoops, bolts, ropes, chains) in various orientations and positions. The evaluation and control circuit processes signals from these sensors to determine occupancy states, enabling the same lock body to accommodate multiple securing part types and configurations without requiring different lock mechanisms for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical detection mechanisms with electronic sensors and an evaluation/control circuit system. Instead of using complex mechanical switches or levers to detect securing part presence and orientation, the invention uses sensors that generate electrical signals, which are then processed electronically to determine occupancy states and control the locking device accordingly.
2Ease of operation
If portable locks require specific orientations for securing parts, then the locking mechanism is simpler, but the ease of operation and user convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system dynamically adapts its locking behavior based on the detected occupancy state. The evaluation and control circuit receives signals from multiple sensors and determines the current state of securing parts in real-time, allowing the locking device to adjust its operation accordingly. This enables the lock to accept securing parts in various orientations and positions without requiring pre-alignment or specific insertion angles, greatly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock body automatically detects the presence and orientation of securing parts through its sensor system and autonomously determines the appropriate locking action via the evaluation and control circuit. The system self-adjusts to different securing part configurations without requiring user intervention or manual positioning, making the operation as convenient as simply inserting the securing part into the lock body.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are added to detect securing part orientation and position, then the adaptability increases, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensors positioned at different locations within the lock body. Each sensor can detect specific aspects of securing part presence, orientation, or position independently. The evaluation and control circuit then integrates signals from these segmented sensors to determine the overall occupancy state, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly of the sensor system.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable lock comprises a lock body and at least one securing part, in particular a U hoop or a bolt, wherein the at least one securing part can be selectively locked to the lock body or released from the lock body. In this respect, the lock body comprises at least one introduction opening for introducing the at least one securing part into the lock body; at least two sensors for detecting the securing part introduced into the lock body and for generating corresponding detection signals; an evaluation and control circuit for determining a current occupancy state of the lock body in dependence on the generated detection signals, wherein the evaluation and control circuit is configured to associate different combinations of generated detection signals with different occupancy states of the lock body; and an electromechanical locking device that has at least one electrically drivable latch for locking the at least one securing part in the at least one introduction opening, wherein the evaluation and control circuit is configured to control the locking device.