Smart Lock Manual Actuation Logging With Low-Power Sensor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart locks do not log or notify users of manual actuations, such as those performed using a physical key or thumb turn, leading to unrecorded door openings and closings.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a passive movement sensor, such as a magnetic sensor, to detect manual actuator movement, coupled with a position sensor that switches to active mode only when movement is detected, optimizing battery usage and enabling logging of manual actuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a position sensor is constantly monitored to detect manual actuator movement, then manual actuations can be logged and notifications can be sent, but battery usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor operates in two modes: a low-power sleep mode where it consumes minimal energy, and an active monitoring mode where it fully monitors the lock mechanism position. The processor dynamically switches the sensor between these modes based on whether manual actuator movement is detected, thereby reducing overall battery consumption while maintaining the ability to log manual actuations
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic sampling where the position sensor is activated only at specific intervals or triggered events. The processor periodically checks for manual actuator movement and only activates the position sensor when such movement is detected, converting continuous monitoring into periodic action to conserve battery power
2Loss of information
If a movement sensor is added to detect manual actuator movement, then manual actuations can be detected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor serves multiple functions: it monitors the lock mechanism position during normal operation, detects manual actuator movement when activated, and enables logging of access events. By making the position sensor multi-functional rather than adding a separate dedicated movement sensor, the system achieves manual actuation detection without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing components (position sensor, processor, communication module) to detect and log manual actuations without requiring additional dedicated hardware. The position sensor, already present for monitoring lock status, is repurposed to also detect manual actuator movement, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for separate movement detection hardware
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
Ensures that manual actuations of the lock mechanism are monitored and logged, reducing battery drain while providing notifications to remote devices, thus maintaining a record of all door operations.
Implementation Method 1
The movement sensor may be a magnetic sensor comprising a magnetic detector and one or more magnets, wherein one of the magnetic detector or the one or more magnets may be installed on the manual actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A smart lock for securing a closure is provided. The smart lock comprises: a drive train for actuating a lock mechanism between an unlocked positon and a locked position; an actuator arranged to drive the drive train to actuate the lock mechanism; a position sensor arranged to output a location signal indicative of a position of the drive train; a manual actuator arranged to drive the drive train to actuate the lock mechanism; and a movement sensor arranged to output a movement signal in response to movement of the manual actuator. The movement sensor is arranged to draw less power than the position sensor. The smart lock further comprises a processor configured to: a. detect the movement signal; and b. monitor the location signal in response to the detection of the movement signal.