Battery-less Electronic Lock Using Wireless Power Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic locks require a battery for operation, which can lead to inconvenience when the battery is drained or removed, such as during travel, where users may not have a spare battery or charger, especially in situations like airport security checks.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock system that uses a wireless power receiver to receive electrical power wirelessly and a controller to process commands for locking and unlocking, eliminating the need for a physical power source by utilizing a wireless power transmitter, such as a mobile device, to provide power and control the lock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a battery is installed in the electronic lock to provide power, then the electronic lock can operate continuously, but the battery will gradually be drained and require replacement or recharging, causing inconvenience to users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery component from the electronic lock system entirely, extracting the power source limitation problem. The electronic lock operates without any stored energy component, eliminating the need for battery replacement or recharging while maintaining continuous operation capability through wireless power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless power transmitter as an intermediary device that transfers energy wirelessly to the electronic lock. This mediator eliminates the need for direct physical connection or stored energy, allowing continuous operation without user intervention for battery maintenance.
2Reliability
If a battery is installed in the electronic lock, then the lock can function independently, but users must carry spare batteries or chargers, increasing portability burden
Solution Approach 1:
The battery and associated power management components are extracted from the electronic lock, eliminating the weight burden on users. The lock maintains reliability through wireless power transfer from an external transmitter that the user carries instead of heavy battery packs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the electronic lock self-contained with a battery, the patent inverts the power provision model: the lock becomes a passive receiver while the user carries an active wireless power transmitter. This reversal maintains operational independence while dramatically reducing portability burden.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a battery is installed in the electronic lock, then the lock can operate without external power connection, but the battery may be removed by security checks, causing loss of function
Solution Approach 1:
The removable battery component is extracted and replaced with a wireless power receiver system. This eliminates the vulnerability to battery removal during security checks while maintaining operational autonomy, as the lock continuously receives power wirelessly without any physical power components that can be detached.
4Ease of operation
If wireless power receiver is used to eliminate battery, then battery replacement and recharging is eliminated, but wireless power transmission infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transmitter is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides power to the electronic lock, enables communication for lock commands, and can potentially power other devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate infrastructure components, as a single wireless transmitter handles both power and control functions.
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
Enables a battery-less design for electronic locks, reducing the need for battery replacement or recharging and eliminating the requirement for power cords, providing convenient and continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power receiver (WPR) which receives wireless electrical power to provide power for the electronic lock
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an electronic lock without an active power source, an electronic lock system, and a method of operating the electronic lock. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic lock includes a WPR which receives wireless electrical power to provide power for the electronic lock; a circuit board electrically connected to the WPR and including a wireless transceiver which receives a lock command or an unlock command; and a controller configured to generate a lock control signal or an unlock control signal in response to receiving the lock command or an unlock command; and an actuator electrically connected to the circuit board and receives the lock control signal to lock a mechanical lock component or the unlock control signal to unlock the mechanical lock component.