Solar-Charging Electronic Lock for Battery Life Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic locks that require a power source for operation, such as batteries or capacitors, face issues with battery degradation and the need for frequent replacement or recharging, which affects their reliability and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Integration of photovoltaic cells on the surface of the electronic lock, electrically coupled to a power storage device, allowing for solar charging and extending battery life or recharging a capacitor, along with a button mechanism to activate the charging process and wireless communication for motor energization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery or capacitor is used as a power source for the electronic lock, then the lock can operate electrical components (keypad, motor, solenoid, RFID), but the battery will degrade or discharge over time requiring frequent replacement or recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock system charges its own power storage device using photovoltaic cells that convert ambient light into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external charging or battery replacement. The system serves itself by harvesting energy from the environment to maintain its power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic cells continuously charge the power storage device whenever exposed to light, ensuring uninterrupted power supply. This continuous energy harvesting extends operational duration by constantly replenishing the power supply rather than relying on finite battery capacity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If photovoltaic cells are integrated on the surface of the electronic lock to provide charging current, then battery life is extended and recharging is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic cells serve multiple functions: they generate electrical energy to charge the power storage device, and simultaneously act as a protective or decorative surface layer on the lock. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic cells are integrated directly into the lock surface, merging the energy harvesting function with the lock's existing structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate battery compartments or external charging mechanisms, simplifying the overall device architecture.
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
The solution provides extended battery life by harnessing solar energy for charging, reducing the need for frequent replacements and enhancing the lock's operational reliability through energy conservation and remote actuation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
photovoltaic cells located on a surface of the electronic lock, the photovoltaic cells being electrically coupled to the power storage device in order to provide a charging current to the power storage device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic lock, including: a power storage device; and photovoltaic cells located on a surface of the electronic lock, the photovoltaic cells being electrically coupled to the power storage device in order to provide a charging current to the power storage device.