Remote Bank Box Unlocking with a Captive-Key Electromechanical Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bank vault systems require manual intervention by bank employees to unlock and lock compartments, leading to high staffing costs and security risks, and retrofitting existing facilities with remote-controlled locking systems is impractical.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical device is affixed to the exterior of bank compartments, integrating a permanently mounted key and using a wired network for power and communication, allowing remote control and eliminating the need for battery replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional mechanical locking system with two keys is used, then security is maintained through dual authentication, but personnel costs increase and security risks arise due to the need for employee accompaniment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical locking system with an electromechanical locking system that uses electronic actuators (motorized mechanisms) to control the locking and unlocking of the safe door. This substitution eliminates the need for manual key operation by employees, reducing personnel costs while maintaining security through remote electronic control and dual authentication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical locking system enables customers to independently operate the locking and unlocking mechanisms without requiring employee accompaniment. The system provides self-service functionality through customer-controlled keypads or biometric authentication, allowing them to lock and unlock safes autonomously while the system maintains security monitoring.
2Ease of operation
If remote-controlled locking systems are installed in new facilities, then employee accompaniment is eliminated, but modernization of existing installations becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into separate modular components: an electromechanical locking mechanism that can be independently installed on existing safe doors, a control unit that interfaces with the existing mechanical lock, and a power supply system. This segmentation allows the electromechanical system to be added to existing installations without replacing the entire locking mechanism, making modernization practical while providing unattended access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical locking mechanism is designed to work within and alongside the existing mechanical locking system. The electric actuator integrates with the current lock structure, nesting the new technology within the old infrastructure. This approach allows existing safes to gain remote control functionality without complete redesign or replacement.
3Ease of operation
If battery-powered remote control devices are used, then unattended access is enabled, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical locking system is designed to accept multiple power supply configurations: it can operate from external power sources in permanently installed applications, or from rechargeable/battery power sources in portable applications. This multi-functionality in power supply acceptance reduces device complexity by using a standardized electromechanical mechanism that adapts to different power scenarios rather than requiring separate systems.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The electromechanical device allows for the remote unlocking of a bank compartment lock, which is opened using two keys. The first key (41) is pivotally mounted within the electromechanical device, which is fixed to the bank compartment in such a way as to hold the key (41) captive in the lock. The electromechanical device is also capable of exchanging data with a remote control station via a wired network. This network also provides power to the electromechanical device and allows it to be controlled from the control station, switching it between a locked configuration in which the first key (41) is blocked and an unlocked configuration in which the locking mechanism associated with the first key (41) can be operated by rotating it.