Modular Smart Lock Housing for Key-Based Component Swapping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intelligent locks require complete replacement of the door lock assembly for functionality changes, leading to complex procedures, increased workload, and resource waste.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent lock design that allows electronic components to be replaced using a key, featuring a housing with a locking assembly controlled by a key for quick installation and removal of electronic components, enabling easy maintenance and switching between keypad and fingerprint locks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire door lock assembly is replaced to change functionality, then the lock can meet diverse user needs, but the procedure becomes complex and workload increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality switching capabilityVSAvoidreplacement procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The door lock assembly is segmented into a reusable housing and replaceable electronic component modules. The housing contains the locking mechanism and remains fixed, while electronic components (keypad, fingerprint sensor, etc.) are designed as separate detachable modules that can be independently replaced without replacing the entire lock assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of electronic components through standardized mounting interfaces. A single housing can support different electronic modules (keypad, fingerprint lock, password lock, etc.), allowing one physical assembly to serve multiple functions through component swapping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple locks are provided to meet diverse user needs, then user requirements are satisfied, but factory inventory requirements increase and resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock type varietyVSAvoidinventory requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The housing serves as a universal base that can accommodate multiple electronic component types through standardized interfaces. Instead of manufacturing separate complete lock assemblies for different functionalities, the system produces one universal housing and multiple electronic modules, reducing the total number of unique parts that need to be inventoried.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By separating the housing from electronic components, the system allows independent production and inventory management of each segment. The housing can be produced once and reused, while only the electronic modules need to be stocked in various configurations, significantly reducing overall inventory requirements compared to stocking complete assembled locks for every possible configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the entire door lock assembly is replaced for maintenance or battery replacement, then functionality is restored, but time is lost and workload increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional restorationVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic component modules are designed as self-contained segments that can be independently accessed and replaced. Maintenance operations such as battery replacement or component repair involve only removing and replacing the specific electronic module without disassembling the entire lock assembly, dramatically reducing maintenance time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional mechanical locks are used, then installation is simple, but functionality is limited and cannot meet diverse user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidfunctional capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains the simple mechanical housing and locking mechanism from conventional locks while adding modular electronic components that can be attached to or integrated with the mechanical parts. This segmentation allows the mechanical base to remain simple and easy to install, while electronic functionality is added through separate modules that interface with the mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates quick installation and removal of electronic components, reduces workload, and minimizes resource waste by allowing easy switching between lock types, thus meeting diverse user needs.

Implementation Method 1

a first spring disposed inside the housing, wherein, when the casing is located within the housing, the first spring abuts against the casing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a second spring disposed between the movable block and the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12499723B1Intelligent lock that replaces electronic components with a key
Publication Date: 2025.12.16 GUANGZHOU RUNFU BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US12499723B1 patent drawing
  • US12499723B1 patent drawing
  • US12499723B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application discloses an intelligent lock enabling the replacement of electronic components using a key, comprising: a housing; an electronic component, which is detachably mounted on the housing; a locking assembly, disposed inside the housing and configured to lock the electronic component onto the housing; and a key, adapted to the locking assembly and controlling the locking assembly. By controlling the locking assembly with the key, the intelligent lock allows for quick installation and removal of the electronic component, facilitating maintenance operations such as repairs and battery replacement. Moreover, it enables switching between a keypad electronic lock component and a fingerprint electronic lock component, thereby meeting diverse user requirements, reducing workload, and minimizing resource waste associated with the need to repurchase door locks.