Wireless Portable Lock Actuation via Electromechanical Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle theft is a significant problem, with 1.5 million bikes stolen annually in the USA, representing a substantial financial loss and often going unpunished, due to the lack of effective locking solutions.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly controlled electronic portable lock system that uses an electromechanical device actuated by a microcontroller, powered by a rechargeable battery, allowing for remote locking and unlocking via a wireless link, such as Bluetooth or NFC, to secure bicycles and other objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless link is added to enable remote control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-lock systems with a wireless electronic control system. Instead of physical keys and mechanical tumblers, the invention uses electronic controllers, wireless communication modules (Bluetooth, NFC), and electromechanical actuators to achieve remote locking and unlocking, thereby improving ease of operation while accepting increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller in the patent serves multiple functions: it manages the locking mechanism, handles wireless communication protocols, monitors battery status, tracks usage patterns, and provides user authentication. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices, addressing the complexity issue while maintaining improved ease of operation
2Reliability
If an electromechanical actuator is used for locking mechanism, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical actuator operates periodically rather than continuously - it activates only during locking and unlocking events, remains dormant during normal operation, and only wakes up periodically to check for incoming wireless commands. This periodic operation pattern significantly reduces average power consumption while maintaining reliable locking functionality during active use
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic battery status monitoring and management features that track power levels and can initiate low-power modes or alert users when recharging is needed. The controller optimizes actuator operation based on available power reserves, allowing the system to self-regulate energy consumption to maintain reliability without excessive power usage
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication modules are added, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication module operates in periodic bursts rather than continuously - it enters deep sleep mode between transmission opportunities, wakes up periodically to check for incoming messages or respond to proximity detections, and communicates only when necessary. This periodic communication pattern dramatically reduces energy loss while maintaining convenient remote connectivity when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters based on conditions - using low-power short-range protocols (NFC) when devices are close together, switching to higher-power but longer-range protocols (Bluetooth) only when needed, and reducing transmission frequency based on environmental factors. This adaptive parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between connectivity convenience and energy consumption
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 system provides secure and convenient management of locks, reducing theft by enabling remote control and monitoring, thus enhancing security and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
All electric, electromechanical, and electronic elements are powered through a battery, which can be rechargeable, placed inside the body of the lock
Implementation Method 2
The lock apparatus is locked and unlocked via a mechanism actuated by an electromechanical device such as an electric motor, solenoid, servo motor, stepping motor or the like
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless ultra-low power portable lock may be realized as a lock apparatus including: a locking mechanism having at least locked and unlocked states, the locking mechanism operable to provide physical resistance to being unlocked when in the locked state; an actuator operable to move the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to a received signal; and a controlling unit configured to control the actuator and to receive one or more signals from one or more devices external to the lock apparatus.