Electronic Safe Lock Using Optical Bolt Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic safe locks face challenges in ensuring the door is fully closed and locked, as traditional mechanical and magnetic sensing methods are prone to uncertainty, wear, and tampering, requiring tight mechanical tolerances and being susceptible to false latching conditions.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact optical sensing arrangement is employed to detect the bolt's position within a lock channel, using a reflective infrared sensor to ensure the door is fully closed and locked, with a motorized plunger mechanism to secure the bolt and prevent tampering, while distinguishing between ambient light and the bolt's reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical or magnetic sensing methods are used to detect door closure, then the sensing mechanism is simple in structure, but the measurement precision is poor and false latching conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches and magnetic sensors with an optical sensing system using infrared LEDs and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and magnetic field interference, providing more precise detection of bolt position and door closure status without relying on tight mechanical tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical intermediaries (infrared LEDs and photodetectors) to detect bolt position. The infrared light serves as a mediator that reflects off the bolt surface to provide accurate position information, avoiding direct mechanical or magnetic contact that causes wear and false readings
2Reliability
If mechanical actuation systems with spring loaded latching mechanisms are used, then the locking action is reliable, but the mechanical tolerances must be tight and the actuation levers consume large volumes of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces spring-loaded mechanical latching mechanisms with a motorized plunger system controlled by optical sensors. This eliminates the need for large actuation levers and tight mechanical tolerances, reducing the volume of moving parts while maintaining reliable locking through controlled motor actuation based on precise optical detection of bolt position
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensing system automatically detects bolt position and triggers the motorized plunger to engage or disengage the locking mechanism without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical linkages. The system self-regulates based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for oversized levers to ensure proper engagement
3Reliability
If mechanical switches or reed switches are used for door sensing, then the sensing method is simple, but the system is susceptible to tampering and mechanical deformation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and reed switches with non-contact optical sensors that detect bolt position through infrared light reflection. This eliminates mechanical components that can be bent, deformed, or tampered with, providing reliable sensing that cannot be easily compromised by physical manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses infrared light as an intermediary to detect bolt position without physical contact. The optical field serves as a tamper-resistant mediator that cannot be easily manipulated or deceived, unlike magnetic fields that can be interfered with or mechanical switches that can be physically altered
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 solution provides robust and reliable assurance of the door's locked state, reducing mechanical tolerance requirements and preventing tampering, with automatic locking and unlocking based on sensor feedback, enhancing security and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A non-contact optical sensing arrangement is employed to detect the bolt's position within a lock channel, using a reflective infrared sensor
Implementation Method 2
distinguishing between ambient light and the bolt's reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic lock with an electronic sensing arrangement to accurately sense relative positions of a bolt which mechanically locks a door, such as a door of an electronic drop safe, and to also sense an electronically controlled plunger which locks the bolt in place. The arrangement provides a mechanism for sensing a variety of mechanical malfunctions, as well as, potential fraud or tampering situations.