Self-Powered Lock Passive ID Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-powered electronic lock systems require users to manually activate the door handle before authentication, which is not intuitive for users accustomed to externally powered systems, leading to inconvenience and the need for additional instruction.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered electronic lock system that includes an energy storage device, a generator, a lock mechanism, a control unit, a trigger unit, and a passive detection unit, allowing the system to be powered and unlocked without prior manual activation of the door handle, enabling energy harvesting during normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the door handle is manually activated before authentication in a self-powered lock system, then electrical energy is generated to power the lock system, but the user operation becomes non-intuitive and requires additional instruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-charging the energy storage device during door handle operation before authentication is required. The passive detection unit detects when the door handle is activated and triggers charging of the storage device in advance, so that when authentication is needed, power is already available without requiring the user to remember to activate the handle first.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the door handle operation itself to generate and store the electrical energy needed for authentication. The generator converts the mechanical energy from door handle activation into electrical energy that is automatically stored, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external power sources or complex user instructions.
2Power
If the door handle must be activated before authentication, then energy is generated for the lock system, but the authentication process becomes less convenient and requires user instruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-charging the energy storage device during door handle operation before authentication is required. The passive detection unit detects when the door handle is activated and triggers charging of the storage device in advance, so that when authentication is needed, power is already available without requiring the user to remember to activate the handle first.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the door handle operation and the authentication process. It captures and stores the electrical energy generated during door handle activation, decoupling the timing requirements so that authentication can occur at any time without requiring the user to have previously activated the door handle.
3Ease of operation
If a passive detection unit is used to detect trigger activation, then the system can be powered without prior handle activation, but the detection and powering sequence becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by using the door handle operation itself to generate and store the electrical energy needed for authentication. The generator converts the mechanical energy from door handle activation into electrical energy that is automatically stored, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external power sources or complex user instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive detection unit provides feedback about the door handle activation state to the control unit. When the detection unit senses that the door handle has been activated, it triggers the control unit to activate the generator and store energy in the energy storage device, creating an automatic feedback loop that manages the powering sequence without complex user intervention.
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
The system operates similarly to a battery-powered lock, allowing users to enter their ID before opening the door, with generated electrical energy stored for future use, eliminating the need for prior handle activation and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical energy generator which is driven by a door handle or lever used by a user for opening the door
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage device having an electrical charge stored therein
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a self-powered lock system for a movable member coupled to a lock mechanism having a first state in which the movable member is locked and a second state in which the movable member is unlocked. The system comprises an electrical energy storage device having an electrical charge stored therein, a control unit for controlling the lock mechanism, a trigger unit for triggering an unlocking of the lock mechanism, and a passive detection unit for detecting an activation of the trigger unit. Upon detection of the activation, a conductive path is provided between the control unit and the storage device for powering the control unit with the charge stored in the storage device. The lock mechanism is in turn unlocked by the control unit. A generator coupled to the storage device may then generate electrical energy and store the generated energy in the storage device for future use.