Wireless Safe Lock Using Infrared Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically powered lock systems for safes and secure areas are prone to mechanical failures, particularly in the wires connecting input devices to the main circuit board, leading to system malfunction due to stress and wear, resulting in frequent failures.
Innovation Solution
A wireless lock system that uses a user input apparatus with a wireless signal emitter to communicate infrared signals through a channel, eliminating the need for physical wires and reducing the risk of mechanical failure by using a battery-powered, puck-shaped device with a keypad and biometric options, and a processor that activates the lock mechanism based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used between input device and main circuit board, then electrical power and signals can be transmitted reliably, but mechanical failure occurs due to wire stress and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire connection system with an optical communication system using infrared LEDs and photodetectors. The input device and main circuit board communicate through infrared signals transmitted across a gap, eliminating physical wire connections that are subject to mechanical stress and movement-induced failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical signal transmission medium (infrared radiation) between the input device and main circuit board. This allows electrical signals to be converted to optical signals for transmission, then converted back to electrical signals, avoiding direct mechanical wire connections while maintaining communication functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the input device is made accessible outside the protected area for ease of use, then user operation is simplified, but wire mechanical stress increases due to movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire connection that would be subject to stress from device movement with an optical infrared communication system. This allows the input device to be freely positioned and accessed from outside the protected area without compromising connection stability, as infrared signals can transmit through air without physical constraints.
3Reliability
If wireless infrared communication is used between input device and lock mechanism, then mechanical wire failures are eliminated, but signal transmission requires line of sight through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional wire routing through the opening to three-dimensional infrared signal propagation through space. The infrared LEDs and photodetectors are positioned to emit and receive signals through the opening, utilizing spatial dimensions to achieve wireless communication while maintaining reliability.
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 wireless lock system enhances reliability by minimizing wire-related failures, ensuring consistent operation and secure access to protected areas without the need for physical connections, thus improving the overall performance and durability of the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless signal emitter adapted to communicate the unlock instruction to at least one additional component of the lock system by sending a wireless signal (e.g., an infrared signal)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing a protected area (such as an internal compartment of a safe) by locking an operable opening (such as a door) in a closed position. The invention comprises a wireless lock system that may include an input apparatus located on the outside of the protected area that communicates wirelessly with other components of the lock system located inside the protected area. Various wireless technologies may be employed including, for example, infrared communication.