Self-Powered Electronic Lock Wireless Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-powered electronic locks face reliability issues due to electrical conductor connections between internal and external electronics, which can become twisted or separated, leading to installation challenges and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless communication system between internal and external electronics, allowing for the transmission of non-combination information using methods like radio frequency, pulsed magnetic or electric fields, or infrared signals, and utilizing separate internal and external generators to power the lock, eliminating the need for wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical conductors are used to connect internal and external electronics, then power and data can be transmitted between components, but the conductors can become twisted or separated, reducing reliability and creating installation challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical conductor connection system with a wireless communication system. The external electronics communicate with internal electronics via wireless signals (radio frequency, infrared, or pulsed magnetic/electric fields), eliminating physical conductors that can twist or separate. This substitution maintains data transmission capability while removing the reliability and installation issues associated with wired connections.
2Extent of automation
If the same mechanism is used for power generation and code input (as in Miller et al.), then the lock can be fully self-powered, but the mechanism provides pulses in both rotation directions which complicates the code input process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power generation and code input functions into separate mechanisms. The first electric power generator (stepper motor/generator) is dedicated solely to power generation and is not connected to the code input dial. The code input device (separate dial or keypad) provides input signals independently. This segmentation allows the power generator to operate without the complexity of bidirectional pulse generation while maintaining full self-power capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the external code input device and the internal electronics. This intermediary allows the code input mechanism to be located externally where it is easily accessible, while the internal electronics remain secure and isolated. The wireless transmission eliminates the need for physical conductor connections that would complicate the code input mechanism.
3Reliability
If internal electronics are placed behind a secured door or in an inaccessible location, then combination security is maintained, but external electronics require electrical conductors to reach internal components, creating installation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical conductor connection system with wireless communication to bridge the gap between externally accessible code input devices and internally secured electronics. This allows the internal electronics to remain in the secure, inaccessible location while eliminating installation difficulties associated with running conductors through secured barriers.
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 configuration enhances installation ease and reliability by maintaining secure combination storage within the internal electronics while allowing external electronics to drive displays and synchronize with random number generation algorithms without transmitting combination information, ensuring secure operation without the need for power or data transmission between internal and external electronics.
Implementation Method 1
A first electric power generator, such as a stepper motor/generator, is located within the lock and is coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the dial causes the first electric power generator to generate electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The wireless communication methods may include any wireless communications such as communications via general radio frequency communications, communications via pulsed magnetic fields, communications via pulsed electric fields, or communications via infrared signals
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4
AI summary
A self-powered electronic lock (10) is provided having a housing (16), a lock element (24) mounted in the housing (16) for movement relative to the housing (16) between a locked position and an unlocked position, a code input device (14) operating with a first set of electronics (46), and an electric actuator (92) operating with a second set of electronics (44). The electric actuator (92) is operatively coupled with the lock element (24) to allow movement of the lock element (24) from the locked position to the unlocked position. A first electric power generator (34) is operative by a user to supply electrical power for operating the code input device (14) and the first set of electronics (46). A second electric power generator (32) is operative to supply electrical power for operating the electric actuator (92) and the second set of electronics (44). The first and the second set of electronics (46, 44) are electrically isolated and are synchronized to generate a common number for a combination code.