Electromechanical Smart Lock NFC Keyhole Antenna for Low-Power Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NFC-based locking mechanisms face challenges in maintaining high security with complex cryptography while minimizing power consumption, and integrating NFC components within small dimensions, particularly due to energy requirements and interference from metallic parts.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with a processor, printed circuit board, and wire antenna configuration that enables NFC communication between the NFC active part of the locking mechanism and the NFC passive part of the identification key, using a wire antenna with multiple windings to efficiently provide energy and authenticate the identification code, incorporating a battery for power and asymmetrical cryptography for security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hardware cryptographic engine is equipped in the tag to ensure high security, then security level is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by placing the NFC tag in sleep mode during idle periods and activating it only during authentication. The reader controls the power state of the tag, switching between active and sleep modes based on authentication needs. This dynamic operation reduces overall power consumption while maintaining cryptographic security when active.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication process uses periodic activation of the cryptographic engine rather than continuous operation. The tag is activated only during specific authentication cycles, performing cryptographic operations intermittently. This periodic action pattern significantly reduces cumulative power consumption compared to continuous operation, while maintaining security during authentication events.
2Volume of moving object
If the tag is made small to fit in the identification key, then compactness is improved, but NFC communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar flat antennas to three-dimensional wire wound antennas. The wire antenna is wrapped around a ferrite core in multiple windings, creating a compact volumetric structure. This dimensional change allows the antenna to achieve sufficient inductance and coupling in a small space, maintaining NFC communication reliability while fitting within the constrained dimensions of the identification key.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining wire antenna, ferrite core, and epoxy resin. The ferrite core provides magnetic permeability enhancement, the wire provides conductive pathways, and the epoxy provides structural support and electrical insulation. This composite structure achieves reliable NFC communication in a compact form factor by combining materials with complementary properties.
3Strength
If metallic parts are used in the locking mechanism body, then structural strength is improved, but NFC signal radiation is attenuated and scattered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the NFC communication components from the metallic lock body environment. The reader and tag are positioned in the keyhole aperture, creating a localized NFC zone separate from the bulk metallic structure. The wire antenna configuration and ferrite core further isolate the magnetic field from metallic interference, enabling reliable NFC communication despite the presence of metallic parts in the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrite core acts as an intermediary between the wire antenna and the external environment. It concentrates and directs the magnetic field generated by the antenna, providing a controlled magnetic path that is less susceptible to interference from surrounding metallic parts. This intermediary material shields the NFC signal from metallic attenuation and scattering effects.
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 ensures secure and efficient switching between locked and unlocked states with low power consumption, overcoming integration and energy challenges, and enabling reliable communication within the constraints of small dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
the wire antenna of the NFC active part is configured to generate a magnetic field when the NFC active part is provided with energy, thereby providing energy to the NFC passive part of the identification key
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a locking mechanism (10) configured to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state, comprising:a. a processor (11) configured to read an identification code of an identification key (13) and configured to cause the locking mechanism (10) to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state if the identification code of the identification key (13) is an authorized code of the locking mechanism (10),b. a printed circuit board (14) in a first plane comprising an aperture (15) configured to accept insertion of the identification key (13) according to a first axis (Y) secant to the printed circuit board (14), the identification key (13) comprising a NFC passive part (16),c. a NFC active part comprising a wire antenna (18) positioned on the printed circuit board (14), the wire antenna (18) comprising a first at least one winding around the aperture (15), the wire antenna being connected to the processor (11),wherein the locking mechanism is configured to establish a NFC communication between the NFC active part of the locking mechanism and the NFC passive part (16) of the identification key (13) when the identification key (13) is inserted into the aperture (15).