Wireless Access Control Power via Mobile Source

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic access control systems in buildings face challenges in powering door locks, as they require either costly cabling or frequent battery replacements, with no practical solution for wireless energy supply to remote-controlled door locks.

Innovation Solution

An access control device that uses a mobile communication apparatus with a built-in or snap-on mobile power source unit to establish a wireless power transfer link, allowing authorized users to operate door locks without extracting energy from the mobile power source, using energy stored in the device for actions like unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If each lock is connected to a power line, then the lock has continuous power supply, but it is complicated and costly to provide cabling to all locks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidcabling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical cabling system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. The access control device uses a wireless power transmission interface to receive energy wirelessly from a mobile power source unit through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for physical power lines and reducing installation complexity while maintaining power supply reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the lock contains a battery, then it provides necessary energy, but the battery must be replaced or recharged frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy self-sufficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic energy supply system where the access control device can switch between using its internal energy storage and receiving wireless power transmission dynamically. The device continuously monitors energy levels and automatically establishes wireless power reception when needed, eliminating the need for periodic battery replacement while maintaining energy self-sufficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by having the access control device continuously monitor its energy storage status and proactively establish wireless power reception before the battery is depleted. The control unit detects low energy levels and initiates wireless power transfer in advance, preventing operational interruption and eliminating maintenance downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If wireless power transmission is used, then no cabling is needed, but there is no practical solution for supplying energy to access control devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidpower transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by designing a multi-functional mobile power source unit that combines wireless communication capabilities with wireless power transmission. The same mobile device that can communicate with the access control device for authentication also serves as the power source, eliminating the need for separate charging infrastructure and ensuring reliable power delivery through a proven communication channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution eliminates the need for external power sources and battery replacements, providing a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective method for powering access control devices, simplifying installation and maintenance in large complexes.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless power transmission interface (116) configured to establish a wireless power transfer link with the mobile power source unit (150)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless power transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2908291B1Wireless interaction with access control devices
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 ASSA ABLOY AB
  • EP2908291B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2908291B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A user of a mobile communication apparatus (160) seeks permission to operate an access control device (110) by placing an active mobile power source unit (150), which is controlled by the mobile communication apparatus (160), within an operation range of a wireless power transmission interface (116) in the access control device (110). In response thereto, a wireless power transfer link is established between the mobile power source unit (150) and the access control device (110). Thereafter, a wireless communication link (WL2) is established between the mobile communication apparatus (160) and the access control device (110). Data are then exchanged between the access control device (110) and the mobile communication apparatus (160) over the wireless communication link (WL2). The exchanged data pertain to at least one access-related service imple-mentable via the access control device (110); and provided that the user is authorized, the requested services are effected.