Removable Electro-Mechanical Lock Core for Credential-Based Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mechanical lock systems are limited by their simplicity and lack of advanced security features, particularly in applications requiring electromechanical integration and credential-based access control.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a removable electro-mechanical lock core with a cam member tailpiece and an electro-mechanical drive assembly, where an operator actuatable input couples with the cam member tailpiece to transition between locked and unlocked states, allowing credential information exchange for secure access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a purely mechanical lock core system is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the security features are limited and lack advanced access control capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidsecurity features
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a traditional mechanical lock core with an electro-mechanical drive assembly and credential verification system. The mechanical components (lock core body, cam member, bolt) are merged with electronic components (electronic controller, portable user device interface, electro-mechanical drive) to create a hybrid system that maintains structural simplicity while adding advanced security features including credential verification, access control logging, and multiple unlocking methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If traditional mechanical lock systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the extent of automation is insufficient for modern access control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidautomated unlocking
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional purely mechanical operation (manual key insertion and rotation) with an electro-mechanical system. The electro-mechanical drive assembly uses an electric motor to rotate the cam member and move the bolt, automating the unlocking process. The electronic controller receives credential information from portable user devices and automatically actuates the drive assembly, eliminating the need for manual key manipulation while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a removable lock core design is used, then the lock can be easily removed from the aperture, but the control over removal is insufficient without additional mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock core removalVSAvoidcontrolled access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the lock core body dynamically controllable through the electro-mechanical drive assembly. The cam member is positioned in different positions (first position blocking removal, second position permitting removal) based on credential verification results. This dynamic control mechanism allows the lock core to be easily removed when authorized (by moving the cam member to the second position) while preventing removal when unauthorized, thus maintaining both ease of operation and reliability of controlled access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables secure and automated unlocking based on credential verification, enhancing security and convenience by integrating electromechanical components for advanced access control.

Implementation Method 1

an electro-mechanical drive assembly having an engaged state wherein the operator actuatable input is operatively coupled with the cam member tailpiece so that a rotation of the operator actuatable input causes a movement of the cam member tailpiece from the first cam member tailpiece position to a second cam member tailpiece position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromechanical conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3927919B1Method of unlocking a lock
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 DORMAKABA USA INC
  • EP3927919B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3927919B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3927919B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A removable lock core for use with a lock device having a locked state and an unlocked state is disclosed. The removeable lock core may include a cam member tailpiece which is moveable between a first position relative to a lock core body which corresponds to the lock device being in the locked state and a second position relative to a lock core body which permits removal of the removeable lock core from the lock device which corresponds to the lock device being in the unlocked state. The removeable lock core may include an electro-mechanical drive assembly which in a disengaged state is decoupled from the cam member tailpiece and in an engaged state is coupled to the cam member tailpiece. A cam lock having a locked state and an unlocked state for use with a catch is disclosed.