Smart Electronic Lock with External USB Power Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical locks are fragile, prone to rust, and require multiple keys, leading to inconvenience and inefficiencies in access control, while traditional electronic locks are bulky, expensive, and require built-in batteries.

Innovation Solution

A smart electronic lock system comprising an electronic lock body with a USB socket connected to a main control board powered by an external source, a handheld device with a password input area, and a USB connection cable for power and data transfer, eliminating the need for a built-in battery and allowing keyless operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional electronic locks are used to eliminate keys, then keyless operation is achieved, but the locks become bulky and require built-in batteries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyless operationVSAvoidbulky size and built-in battery requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power source function is extracted from the lock body and relocated to the user's smartphone. The lock body retains only the essential locking mechanism and control circuitry, while the smartphone's battery powers the electronic components during authentication and unlocking operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The smartphone serves multiple functions: it acts as the power source, the authentication interface (password input), and the communication device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated power button and simplifies the lock body structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If mechanical locks are used for security, then basic locking function is provided, but keys are fragile and may get rusty or lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidkey durability and management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical key system is replaced with an electronic authentication system. Instead of inserting a physical key, the user enters a password through the smartphone interface, which then electronically triggers the unlocking mechanism. This substitution eliminates key-related problems such as rust, loss, and duplication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple keys are carried for different doors, then access to multiple locations is enabled, but inconvenience and trouble in finding the right key occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to multiple locationsVSAvoidkey management convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single smartphone serves as the universal key for multiple locks. The lock body is designed to work with any smartphone that has the authentication application, eliminating the need to carry multiple physical keys for different locations. The smartphone's battery powers all locking mechanisms universally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11288907B1Smart electronic lock and the method for using same

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 YAIS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a smart electronic lock and method for using same. The smart electronic lock includes an electronic lock body having a USB socket internally connected to a main control board for driving a driver to connect to an electronic lock cylinder, and a handheld device having a main power source and an unlocking unit for allowing user to input an unlocking password through an unlocking application, as well as a USB connection cable that is removably connected between the handheld device and the electronic lock body. The smart electronic lock eliminates the need of configuring an internal power source or a battery and allows the handheld device to supply power to the main control board through a USB charging port. The unlocking of the electronic lock body is attained by the comparison result of an inputted unlocking password.