Wireless Locking Device Using Periodic Beacons for Hospitality Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hospitality systems face challenges in fully automating guest check-in/check-out processes, and communication with devices like door locks that are not accessible by direct physical wiring is inefficient, leading to high costs and maintenance issues due to the need for wired networks and continuous power usage.
Innovation Solution
A wireless locking device with a Bluetooth Smart radio that periodically beacons data packets to conserve battery power, allowing for bi-directional connections as needed, and a mesh network of Bluetooth Smart radios to reduce the number of wireless access points, enabling efficient communication and control of devices like door locks without the need for continuous power or extensive rewiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used to communicate with devices like door locks, then communication reliability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to extensive rewiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication. Door locks and other hospitality devices use BLE radios to communicate with smartphones and access points, eliminating the need for physical wiring to each device while maintaining reliable communication through the wireless mesh network.
2Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to wireless devices like door locks, then communication functionality is improved, but power consumption and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication instead of continuous operation. Door locks and devices enter low-power sleep modes and wake periodically to transmit data packets or respond to requests. The system uses event-triggered communication where devices only activate when needed, such as when a guest approaches or checks in, significantly reducing overall power consumption.
3Area of stationary object
If a wired network is installed in existing facilities, then communication coverage is improved, but facility disruption and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes wired infrastructure with wireless BLE technology that leverages existing smartphone capabilities. Devices communicate through a mesh network using Bluetooth radios already present in modern smartphones, allowing immediate deployment in existing facilities without construction, drilling, or electrical work.
4Adaptability or versatility
If battery-operated devices are used where wiring is not accessible, then installation flexibility is improved, but operational cost increases due to battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ultra-low-power BLE radios that consume minimal energy during periodic operation. Devices sleep for extended periods and only activate briefly to transmit data, extending battery life from months to years. This reduces the frequency and cost of battery replacements while maintaining installation flexibility in locations where wiring is not accessible.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for providing access to a structure includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. A wireless interface is operatively connected to the locking mechanism to control change between the locked and unlocked states. The wireless interface is configured to periodically beacon a data packet providing information to listening devices in a local area without requiring a bi-directional connection and to support bi-directional connections as needed to transfer data to the locking device.