Biometric Padlock Cam-Bolt Mechanism Against Latch Attacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biometric locks with latch locking mechanisms are vulnerable to attacks, allowing easy opening, and there is a need for enhanced security to prevent unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A padlock with a biometric opening mechanism featuring a spring-loaded bolt and a cam system that requires rotational movement for unlocking, using a fingerprint panel to control the cam's movement and ensure the padlock remains locked unless properly authenticated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a latch locking mechanism is used, then the lock can be easily opened, but the security level is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional latch mechanism by using a cam-driven bolt system where the bolt is pushed into the locked position by spring force and can only be moved to the unlocked position through controlled rotational movement of the cam. This inversion transforms the easy-to-open latch into a secure locked state that requires deliberate authentication to change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical latch with an electronic-biometric control system. The fingerprint panel detects biometric data and controls an electronic motor that rotates the cam, which in turn controls the bolt's position. This substitution of mechanical direct-latching with electronic control and biometric verification significantly enhances security while maintaining operational ease for authorized users.
2Reliability
If the bolt is configured to stay in locked mode with spring force, then security is improved, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the cam component: it serves as both the locking control element and the rotational actuator. The cam integrates the bolt positioning function with the rotational movement control, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanisms. The sloped-cam further consolidates the unlocking action into a single rotational motion that simultaneously moves the cam and releases the bolt.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded bolt design provides self-locking functionality where the spring automatically pushes the bolt into the locked position without requiring continuous electronic control. The system uses the natural elastic energy storage and release of the spring to maintain the locked state and provide the force needed for the bolt to engage with the shackle, reducing the complexity of active control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the cam requires rotational movement for unlocking, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the ease of operation for authorized users may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with electronic-biometric control. The fingerprint panel uses optical or capacitive sensing to detect and verify the user's fingerprint, automatically controlling the electronic motor to rotate the cam. This eliminates the need for users to manually manipulate the cam or understand the mechanical unlocking process, simplifying operation while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic motor acts as an intermediary between the biometric authentication and the mechanical cam rotation. The motor receives signals from the fingerprint panel, processes the authentication result, and converts it into the appropriate rotational motion to move the cam. This intermediary layer simplifies the user interface while maintaining the secure rotational constraint on the cam mechanism.
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 padlock provides enhanced security by ensuring the bolt is always pushed towards the locked position, requiring rotational movement of the cam for unlocking, thus preventing unauthorized access and improving security levels.
Implementation Method 1
The bolt has a spring to exert force to make the bolt always push toward the locked position
Implementation Method 2
the cam only has rotational movement such that a spring will push the cam to the locked position which inhibits movement of the bolt unless the cam is rotated into an unlocked position
Implementation Method 3
a motor operatively coupled to the fingerprint panel and having teeth to control movement of the sloped-cam
Data Source
AI summary
A padlock including a lock body, a fingerprint panel configured for operation of the padlock from a locked mode to an unlocked mode by using an electronic mechanism, a shackle having a long leg and a short leg, at least one bolt configured to engage with or disengage with the shackle, a cam to control the movement of the at least one bolt, a sloped-cam to control the movement of the cam, and a motor operatively coupled to the fingerprint panel and having teeth to control movement of the sloped-cam.