Wireless Charging Electric Lock with Proximity Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric locks face issues with battery depletion over time, leading to operational failures, and existing unlocking methods, such as smart phone-based systems, are inconvenient and vulnerable to theft risks due to the need for manual intervention and potential loss of devices.
Innovation Solution
A method for wirelessly charging and unlocking electric locks using a portable device that automatically connects, authenticates, and charges the lock's battery, allowing instant unlocking with biometric or password input when authorized, ensuring secure and rapid operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electric lock is powered by a battery, then the lock can operate independently without direct connection to indoor power source, but the battery will be depleted after long-term use leading to operational failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous charging of the battery by utilizing wireless power transmission during the unlocking process. Each time a user approaches with a smartphone, the lock automatically charges, ensuring the battery never depletes and maintaining continuous operational capability without requiring manual battery replacement or connection to power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric lock autonomously charges its own battery using the smartphone's power transmission capability. The system automatically detects when a smartphone is nearby, initiates wireless charging, and manages power transfer without requiring user intervention, making the lock self-sufficient in maintaining its power supply.
2Reliability
If a smart phone unlocking program is used, then security is improved by not storing access cards, but the unlocking procedure time is extended requiring manual execution of unlocking program
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking program is pre-installed and automatically activated when a smartphone approaches the lock. The system prepares the unlocking interface in advance, so when the user intends to unlock, the program is already ready to execute, eliminating the need for manual searching or activation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the proximity detection, automatic program activation, and unlocking functions into a single integrated process. When the smartphone enters the detection range, all unlocking operations are automatically initiated and completed in one continuous action, merging multiple steps into a single seamless operation.
3Ease of operation
If door access card or electronic key is used for unlocking, then the unlocking procedure is simple and fast, but the risk of theft increases if the card or key is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the smartphone as a portable authentication device that contains digital copies of authorization credentials. Instead of physical cards or keys that can be lost or stolen, the authentication data is stored in the smartphone with security measures, allowing the same authentication capability without the physical security risks of traditional cards.
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 method extends the operational life of electric locks by wireless charging and provides secure, rapid, and convenient unlocking, reducing the risk of theft by requiring instant, authorized input for unlocking, thus enhancing both functionality and security.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, by the portable unlocking device, a charging signal to proceed with charging of a first battery that provides electricity required for operation of the electric lock
Data Source
AI summary
A method for wirelessly charging and unlocking an electric lock includes automatically connecting a portable unlocking device with an electric lock when a distance therebetween is smaller than an activation range. The electric lock compares a first identification information in the portable unlocking device with a first authorized identification information in the electric lock. If not matched, the electric lock is disconnected from the portable unlocking device. If matched, the electric lock transmits a charging request signal to the portable unlocking device to charge a battery in the electric lock. Next, the electric lock outputs an awakening signal to the portable unlocking device to awaken a lock control program in the portable unlocking device. Then, a user of the portable unlocking device instantly inputs a second identification information for comparison with second authorized identification information in the electric lock. If matched, the electric lock is unlocked.