Self-Powered Key Generator for Electronic Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key systems for electronic locks require batteries or complex cabling, which can lead to reliability issues, waste generation, and limited sustainability, while also lacking a universal energy supply for different locking cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A key system with a generator integrated into the key wheel, driven by a movable component when the key shaft is inserted, providing electrical energy to both the key electronics and locking cylinder electronics, eliminating the need for external power sources and enabling universal compatibility with various locking cylinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a battery is used to power key electronics and locking cylinder electronics, then electrical energy can be supplied, but reliability decreases due to battery replacement needs and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The key system generates its own electrical energy through a generator that is automatically activated when the key is inserted into the locking cylinder. The generator converts mechanical energy from key insertion into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external batteries and making the system self-sufficient for power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion system. A generator with a rack and pinion mechanism converts the mechanical motion of key insertion into rotational motion that drives the generator, producing electrical energy on-demand.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a battery is used to power key electronics and locking cylinder electronics, then electrical energy can be supplied, but waste is generated due to battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The key system generates its own electrical energy through a generator that is automatically activated when the key is inserted into the locking cylinder. The generator converts mechanical energy from key insertion into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external batteries and making the system self-sufficient for power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using disposable batteries that need to be discarded, the system recovers mechanical energy from the key insertion action itself and converts it into electrical energy through the generator. This transforms a waste-generating system into one that recovers and utilizes energy from normal operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If complex cabling is used to supply power to locking cylinder, then electrical energy can be supplied, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the locking cylinder and relocates it to the key. The generator is integrated into the key, and power is transmitted wirelessly or through direct contact during insertion, eliminating the need for complex cabling through the lock or door structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator in the key acts as an intermediary power source between the user and the locking cylinder electronics. Instead of requiring fixed infrastructure cabling, the key itself becomes a portable, self-contained power delivery system that interfaces with the lock during operation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a generator is integrated into the key, then electrical energy can be generated, but key complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the generator, rack mechanism, and key components into a single integrated unit. The rack is formed as part of the key structure, and the generator is compactly designed to fit within the key housing, combining multiple functions into one cohesive component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The key serves multiple functions: it mechanically actuates the locking cylinder through traditional key rotation, provides coded opening signals through key electronics, and generates electrical energy through the integrated generator. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components into a single universal key system.
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 enhances the reliability and sustainability of key systems by providing a self-sustaining energy source, reducing waste, and allowing the key to operate with different locking cylinders without the need for batteries or complex cabling, thus improving security and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (9) arranged in the key wheel (2) for supplying the key electronics (7) and/or a locking cylinder electronics (12) with electrical energy, wherein the generator (9) is driven by a movable component (4)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a key (1) having a key head (2) and a key shaft (3) for mechanically actuating a lock cylinder (11), the key (1) comprising a key electronics unit (7) which transmit an encoded opening signal to the lock cylinder (11) in order to unlock the lock cylinder (11) and mechanically actuate it by rotation of the key (1). According to the invention, in order to provide a key (1) with a high degree of reliability, low resource consumption and a high level of sustainability, the key has a generator (9) for supplying the key electronics unit (7), wherein a movable component (4) is arranged on the key shaft (3) or key head (2), said movable component interacting with a lock cylinder (11) when the key shaft (3) in inserted in same in order to drive the generator (9).