Smart Cylinder Lock Actuation for Non-Contact Status Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock systems require the replacement of the entire lock mechanism or door/window to incorporate sensor technology for determining lock status, posing an obstacle to widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder lock apparatus with a magnet and smart actuation member circuit, including magnetic field sensors and a processor to determine lock status through rotation of the actuation member, allowing integration with existing locks without full replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If sensor technology is integrated into existing lock systems, then lock status monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into independent functional modules: the existing mechanical cylinder lock remains unchanged, while a separate smart actuation member circuit with sensors is added to the actuation member (key or thumbturn). This segmentation allows status monitoring without modifying the core lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary between the mechanical lock components and the electronic sensors. The magnet embedded in the cylinder lock interacts with magnetic field sensors in the actuation member, enabling non-contact detection of lock status and actuation member position without direct mechanical or electrical connection.
2Loss of information
If custom-manufactured locks are used to integrate sensor technology, then lock status monitoring capability is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation member is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the traditional mechanical key/thumbturn for operating the cylinder lock and as a carrier for the smart circuit with sensors. This universal design allows existing locks to gain monitoring capability without custom manufacturing the lock body itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing and electronic functionality is extracted from the lock mechanism and placed entirely within the actuation member. This extraction allows the lock body to remain a standard, easily manufactured component while the smart features are contained in a separate, replaceable actuation member.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic field sensors are used to detect actuation member rotation, then measurement precision of rotation direction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field sensor detects the periodic variation in magnetic field polarity as the actuation member rotates past the magnet. By monitoring the frequency and phase of these periodic polarity changes, the system can precisely determine rotation direction and speed without complex sensor arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters (polarity and strength) as the actuation member rotates. A single magnetic field sensor can detect these parameter changes and distinguish between different rotation directions based on the sequence and pattern of polarity transitions, eliminating the need for multiple sensors.
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
Enables remote monitoring of lock status without requiring replacement of existing locks, enhancing security and convenience by integrating sensor technology into standard cylinder locks.
Implementation Method 1
the or each magnetic field sensor and the magnet are configured such that rotation of the actuation member to operate the cylinder lock moves the or each magnetic field sensor through the magnetic field of the magnet
Implementation Method 2
The or each magnetic field sensor may include at least one Hall Effect sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A lock apparatus including a cylinder lock and an actuation member configured to operate the cylinder lock via rotation of the actuation member with respect to a part of the cylinder lock, wherein: the cylinder lock includes a magnet, and the actuation member includes a smart actuation member circuit, the smart actuation member circuit including: one or more sensors (including one or more magnetic field sensors) configured to sense an action of the smart actuation member circuit with respect to the cylinder lock; and a processor or controller configured to receive information indicative of the sensed action from the or each sensor for use in determining a status of the cylinder lock. Furthermore, smart actuation member circuit, cylinder lock and method of fitting such a cylinder lock are claimed.