Smart Lock Unit Retrofit for Conventional Deadbolts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock devices lack remote control capabilities, making it difficult to manage locking and unlocking operations efficiently, especially in scenarios where physical access is limited or inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A smart lock system that integrates with a conventional lock device, allowing remote control through a mobile device by sensing touch inputs and generating control signals to switch between lock and unlock states, utilizing a wireless unit and actuate unit to rotate the thumb turn, and includes a communication gateway for interfacing with a service provider server for electronic key management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional lock device is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it lacks remote control functionality and requires physical interaction for locking and unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a conventional lock device with a smart lock unit that includes a wireless communication unit, control circuit, and actuating unit. The smart lock unit is removably mounted to the lock device, merging the simplicity of the conventional lock with the remote control capabilities of smart technology, allowing users to lock or unlock doors remotely while maintaining the original lock's basic structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the lock device. The mobile device senses touch inputs, determines whether they conform to a preset touch code, generates control signals, and transmits them wirelessly to the smart lock unit, enabling remote control without requiring physical interaction with the lock itself
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote control functionality is added to conventional locks, then convenience and security are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lock system into distinct functional modules: the conventional lock device, the smart lock unit with wireless communication and control circuits, and the mobile device for input. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the system adaptable and versatile while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The smart lock unit is designed to be universally compatible with conventional lock devices through removable mounting mechanisms. The control circuit can interpret various input methods (touch code sequences, proximity detection) and generate appropriate control signals, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to different usage scenarios without requiring complete system redesign
3Reliability
If touch code verification is implemented, then security is improved, but the operation time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a proximity sensor to detect when a mobile device is near the lock device. When proximity is detected, the system enters an active state ready to receive and verify touch code sequences. This periodic activation based on proximity reduces the time required for authentication compared to systems that require full manual input verification for every access attempt
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 secure and convenient remote locking and unlocking of conventional lock devices, enhancing user control and security through touch input recognition and wireless communication, while maintaining compatibility with existing lock mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
sensing touch inputs performed upon the mobile device so as to generate a sensing signal
Implementation Method 2
transmitting the control signal to the smart lock
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of a smart lock is to be implemented by a mobile device which is communicably coupled to the smart lock. The control method includes the steps of sensing touch inputs performed upon the mobile device so as to generate a sensing signal, determining whether the sensing signal conforms to a preset touch code, which is associated with a predetermined sequence of touch inputs on the mobile device, generating a control signal which is to be transmitted to the smart lock for controlling the smart lock to lock or unlock when it is determined that the sensing signal conforms to the preset touch code; and transmitting the control signal to the smart lock.