Wireless Power Harvesting for Electronic Locksets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic locksets powered by alkaline batteries require frequent replacements, especially in high-function models with features like cameras and always-on Wi-Fi, leading to increased maintenance and battery life reduction.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a wireless power transmission system where an electrical device connected to line power transmits a wireless power signal that is received and harvested by an electronic access control device, eliminating the need for battery replacement by using energy harvesting technology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If alkaline batteries are used to power electronic locksets, then the locksets can operate with simple battery replacement, but the batteries must be replaced frequently (every 1-2 years) increasing maintenance needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery replacement simplicityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical battery replacement system with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The electronic lockset receives power wirelessly through an antenna that captures electromagnetic signals from a transmitter, eliminating the need for physical battery installation and replacement while providing continuous power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless power transmitter can serve multiple functions: it provides continuous power to the electronic lockset, eliminates battery replacement needs, and can potentially power multiple devices simultaneously. The system transforms a single-function battery power source into a multi-functional wireless power distribution system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If high-function features (cameras, always-on Wi-Fi) are added to electronic locksets, then functionality is improved, but battery life is significantly reduced exacerbating replacement frequency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelockset functionalityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the limited-capacity alkaline battery system with an unlimited-capacity wireless power transmission system. The electromagnetic power transmission provides continuous energy supply that can support high-power consumptive features like cameras and always-on Wi-Fi without the constraints of battery capacity, enabling high-functionality while eliminating battery life limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If wireless power transmission is implemented, then continuous power supply is achieved eliminating battery replacement, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidpower system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power system into two separate components: a wireless power transmitter (which can be mounted externally on the wall or door frame) and a wireless power receiver integrated into the electronic lockset. This segmentation allows the complex transmission infrastructure to be separated from the lockset itself, reducing the complexity burden on the lockset while maintaining continuous power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides a continuous power source for electronic locksets, reducing maintenance needs and extending the operational life of high-function locksets by using wireless power transmission, allowing them to function without battery replacement.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting a wireless power signal from an electrical device connected to line power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless power transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

receiving the wireless power signal at an electronic access control device, and operating the electronic access control device using electrical power harvested from the wireless power signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy harvesting: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11268300B2Energy harvesting lock system

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC

AI summary

An exemplary method includes transmitting a wireless power signal from an electrical device connected to line power, receiving the wireless power signal at an electronic access control device, and operating the electronic access control device using electrical power harvested from the wireless power signal. In certain forms, the method further includes adjusting an orientation of the antenna by which the wireless power signal is transmitted.