Touch Sensor Bezel for Electromechanical Door Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door locks are cumbersome to operate, limiting users to key or paddle rotation for locking or unlocking, and lack advanced features like touch and wireless capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical smart lock with a bezel featuring a touch sensor circuitry, motor, and controller that allows finger recognition and wireless communication to control the deadbolt's position, enabling touch-based locking and unlocking and wireless operation via smartphones or other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional key or paddle rotation is used for locking/unlocking, then the locking mechanism is simple and reliable, but the operation is cumbersome and lacks user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key insertion and rotation system with a capacitive touch sensor system. Users can lock or unlock the door by simply touching the bezel surface, eliminating the need for physical key manipulation. The controller circuit detects touch gestures and translates them into motor commands to move the deadbolt, substituting mechanical key-cylinder interaction with electronic sensing and actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a motor as an intermediary component between the user's touch input and the deadbolt movement. The motor converts electrical signals from the controller circuit into mechanical motion to extend or retract the deadbolt. This intermediary mechanism enables smooth, controlled movement without requiring direct mechanical linkage between the key cylinder and deadbolt.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lock mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but it lacks touch and wireless capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the structural housing for the lock mechanism and as the capacitive touch sensor surface. This universal component performs multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling touch input detection, and serving as the user interface. The same bezel structure that houses the traditional lock components also functions as the touch-sensitive surface for gesture-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the traditional mechanical lock components with electronic systems including the capacitive touch sensor circuitry, motor, and controller circuit. These previously separate systems are integrated into a unified electromechanical lock assembly where the mechanical deadbolt, electrical motor, and electronic sensing components work together as a single system to provide both mechanical reliability and electronic convenience.
3Measurement precision
If finger characteristics are analyzed for control, then security and precision are improved, but the complexity of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller circuit continuously monitors the capacitive touch sensor signals and adjusts its response based on the detected finger characteristics. When a finger touches the bezel, the system measures the capacitive changes and uses this feedback to determine the user's intent (lock or unlock). The system can distinguish between different touch patterns, pressures, or durations and responds accordingly, providing precise control while maintaining security through authenticated gesture recognition.
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
Provides a convenient and secure method for locking and unlocking doors using touch sensors and wireless communication, enhancing user experience and security with precise control over the deadbolt's position and reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a touch sensor circuitry configured to determine presence of a finger upon the bezel
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical lock can have a bezel along an exterior surface. A touch of a human finger upon the bezel can be determined and used to adjust a deadbolt between a lock state and an unlock state.