Addressable Object Carrier Locking for Secure Key Removal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing collective objects management systems for removably suspended objects lack security features to prevent unauthorized removal of object carriers from suspension members, compromising the integrity of the object collection.
Innovation Solution
An electronically addressable object carrier with a lock element and solenoid locking mechanism, combined with a Bluetooth unit for remote location, ensures secure engagement with a locking device, preventing unauthorized removal and allowing for remote tracking of missing objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If object carriers are made removably suspended for easy access and display, then ease of operation is improved, but security and prevention of unauthorized removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. The solenoid actuator enables the lock element to move between engaged (locked) and disengaged (unlocked) positions based on electrical signals, allowing the system to adapt between secure storage and authorized access states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems with an electromechanical system. The solenoid actuator converts electrical energy to mechanical motion to actuate the lock element, enabling remote and automated control of the locking mechanism through electrical signals rather than purely mechanical key-based systems.
2Ease of operation
If object carriers are made removably suspended for easy removal, then ease of operation is improved, but integrity of object collection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through the control circuit that monitors the state of the locking mechanism and object carrier position. The control circuit receives signals about the lock element position and can respond by controlling the solenoid actuator to maintain proper locked or unlocked states, ensuring system integrity while allowing authorized operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is engaged by default before any removal operation. The lock element is initially in the engaged position, preventing removal until the solenoid actuator is activated to disengage it. This preliminary locking action ensures that no unauthorized removal can occur before the unlocking sequence is initiated.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized removal, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuator serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism for the lock element and a controllable switch that can open or close electrical circuits. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the locking mechanism with the electrical connection system. The lock element's movement simultaneously engages/disengages the mechanical lock and opens/closes electrical contacts, combining security function with electrical circuit control in a single integrated mechanism rather than separate systems.
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 solution enhances the security of the object management system by locking object carriers in place, preventing unauthorized removal and enabling remote tracking of missing carriers, thus maintaining the integrity of the object collection and facilitating easy location of misplaced items.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism includes a solenoid actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An electronically addressable object carrier for enabling the management of removably suspended objects, such as keys, distributed in an object location space, The object carrier includes a housing having an object retention element for securing an object to the object carrier and a lock element for releasable engagement with an associated locking device, the microcontroller having a unique object address serving to identify an object secured to the object carrier; a plurality of electrically conductive contact pads in the housing for electrically coupling the microcontroller to a source of object address signals and electrical power signals and a visible indicator coupled to the microcontroller for activation whenever the microcontroller receives an address signal representative of the unique object address. The lock element is a recess formed in a surface of the housing with an abutment edge. The associated locking device is a solenoid having a retractable plunger terminating in a control element which engages the recess. The locking device is mounted adjacent a mounting aperture in a support element, such as a cabinet interior wall. In use, the carrier is inserted into the wall aperture until the control element engages the housing recess, which locks the carrier in place. To unlock, the solenoid is operated to retract the plunger to release the carrier for manual removal.