Rotatable Key Housing Electrical Contact Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key-based systems for monitoring the locking state of rotary locks require continuous electrical power supply, leading to battery drain and frequent replacements, as the sensor and communication device must remain constantly powered to function effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical key with an additional device featuring rotatable housing and electrical contacts that connect only when the key is operated, allowing the electrical consumer to be powered only during use, utilizing spring elements and a web for stable yet defined rotation, and incorporating a sensor and communication device for wireless data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor and communication device are constantly supplied with electrical energy, then the locking state can be continuously monitored and transmitted, but the battery life is greatly shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by only activating the sensor and communication device when the key is inserted into the lock. The electrical contacts are designed to connect the battery to the electrical consumer (sensor and communication device) only during key operation, creating a periodic power supply pattern that extends battery life while maintaining monitoring capability when needed.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the electrical consumer is powered only during key operation, then battery life is extended, but the monitoring function may be missed when the key is not present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the key itself as the trigger mechanism for power supply. The key's presence and rotation automatically activate the electrical contacts, which in turn activate the sensor and communication device. This eliminates the need for external switching or manual intervention, and ensures that monitoring is always active when the key is being used to operate the lock.
3Ease of operation
If the housing is rotatably mounted relative to the key head, then the electrical contacts can be connected through key rotation, but the mechanical complexity of the additional device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing rotation function with the key operation function. The housing is rotatably mounted on the key head, and the same rotational motion that operates the lock also connects the electrical contacts. This combines two functions (lock operation and electrical connection) into a single mechanical action, reducing the need for separate switching mechanisms and simplifying the overall device structure.
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
This design extends the operational life of the electrical consumer by powering it only during key operation, reducing battery drain and eliminating the need for constant power supply, while enabling reliable locking state monitoring and orientation detection for secure and efficient communication.
Implementation Method 1
two spring elements (13) which rest on the key head (4) from the inside of the housing (6)
Implementation Method 2
the two electrical contacts in the 'closed' position rest on the key head (4) and are therefore electrically conductively connected to one another across the key head (4)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement with a mechanical key (1) made of metal, having a bit (9) and a head (4) for operating a rotary lock, and an auxiliary device (2) attached to the head (4) of the key (1), wherein the auxiliary device (2) has a housing (6) and the head (4) of the key (1) is enclosed by the housing (6) of the auxiliary device (2) on two opposite sides, each with a housing wall (16), characterized in that the housing (6) is rotatably mounted relative to the head (4) of the key (1), an electrical contact (12) is arranged on the respective inner side of each of the two housing walls (16), and the two electrical contacts (12) are moved into an "open" position by a rotation of the housing (6) relative to the head (4).a "closed" position can be brought into place, wherein the two electrical contacts (12) are at a distance from the head (4) of the key (1) in the "open" position and are in galvanic contact with the head (4) of the key (1) in the "closed" position and are thus galvanically connected to each other across the head (4) of the key (1). This describes such an arrangement of a mechanical key (1) for operating a rotary lock with an additional device (2) attached to the head (4) of the key (1), which allows an electrical component of the additional device (2) to remain operational for a long time.