Smart Lock Radio Squelch for Inside-Outside Credential Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smart locksets face challenges in preventing unintended unlocking due to mistaken identification of user devices, particularly when the device is inside the secured area, leading to potential security breaches.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a directional antenna and a squelch signal transmitter that create a signal blocking area inside the secured area, preventing the lockset from receiving credential signals from user devices within this area, ensuring automated unlocking only occurs when the user approaches from outside.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the radio module receives credential signals from user devices within the antenna pattern, then automated unlocking can occur, but unintended unlocking may occur when the device is mistakenly identified as external while being inside the residence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated unlockingVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a spatially differentiated signal environment. The squelch signal is transmitted only in specific directions (toward the interior of the residence) rather than omnidirectionally, and only during specific time periods (when automated unlocking is enabled). This directional and temporal localization allows the system to maintain automated unlocking functionality for external users while preventing false triggering from internal devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The squelch signal acts as an intermediary that mediates between the credential signal and the unlocking mechanism. When a credential signal is received, the processor checks whether a squelch signal is currently being transmitted. If the squelch signal is active, it interferes with and prevents the credential signal from triggering an unlock. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing legitimate external credentials to work while blocking internal device credentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the squelch signal is transmitted continuously, then unintended unlocking is prevented, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by transmitting the squelch signal only during specific time periods when automated unlocking is enabled, rather than continuously. The processor monitors the operational state of automated unlocking and activates the squelch signal transmission only when needed. This periodic transmission maintains security during vulnerable periods while conserving energy during periods when automated unlocking is disabled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If the antenna pattern covers all directions, then signal reception is maximized, but signals from inside the residence are also received

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal receptionVSAvoidfalse credential detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of the antenna pattern receiving signals from both outside and inside the residence into a benefit. Instead of trying to eliminate the internal signal reception entirely, the system uses the squelch signal to selectively interfere with and neutralize internal credentials while allowing external credentials to function normally. This approach transforms the problematic omnidirectional reception into a controllable feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution effectively inhibits unintended unlocking events by interfering with signals from inside the secured area, enhancing the security and reliability of smart lockset operations.

Implementation Method 1

a radio module generating an antenna pattern for communicating with a user device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a squelch signal that prevents the radio module from receiving a credential signal from the user device when the user device is at one or more locations within the antenna pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS20240420526A1Access Control Apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 THE CHAMBERLAIN GRP INC

AI summary

A lockset including a housing configured to be mounted at a secured entrance; a radio module supported by the housing, the radio module generating: an antenna pattern for communicating with a user device; and a squelch signal that prevents the radio module from receiving a credential signal from the user device when the user device is at one or more locations within the antenna pattern; and a processor in communication with the radio module, wherein the processor unlocks a deadbolt to permit entry into a secured area delimited by the secured entrance in response to the radio module receiving the credential signal from the user device.