Biometric Electronic Locks for Safe Deposit Boxes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional safe deposit boxes and teller drawers require cumbersome and time-consuming procedures involving mechanical keys, necessitating the presence of a bank employee for access, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a biometrically controlled electronic locking system where internal codes are recorded on electronic keys, transferred to a data processing machine, and used to encode and decode access for authorized individuals, allowing secure and efficient access to containers without the need for manual key management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical keys are used for safe deposit boxes, then security is maintained through physical key control, but the access procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccess procedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key system with a biometric authentication system using fingerprint scanners and electronic locks. The mechanical key insertion and turning actions are substituted with electronic verification of biometric data, eliminating the need for physical key management while maintaining security through unique biological identifiers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables customers to access their own safe deposit boxes independently without requiring bank employee assistance. The automated biometric authentication and electronic lock activation allow users to perform the access procedure themselves, eliminating the time-consuming process of summoning and coordinating with bank staff.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If mechanical keys are required for access, then security control is maintained, but bank employee participation is necessary for each operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity controlVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical key control system is replaced with electronic authentication using biometric data. The electronic lock system verifies fingerprints and automatically activates, eliminating the need for bank employees to physically handle keys or be present during access operations, thereby significantly improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Customers independently complete the entire access process through self-service biometric authentication, removing bank employees from the operational chain. The system maintains security control through centralized electronic authorization while allowing users to execute access procedures autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If multiple mechanical keys are used for dual-lock access, then security is enhanced through multiple authorization, but the complexity of key management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity through multiple authorizationVSAvoidkey management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces multiple mechanical keys with electronic authentication credentials stored in electronic key fobs or derived from biometric data. The electronic system manages multiple authorization levels through software-based access control lists, eliminating the physical complexity of distributing, tracking, and managing multiple mechanical keys while maintaining multi-factor security requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10304266B1System, method and apparatus for creating and maintaining biometric secure safe deposit boxes, and similar containers and facilities
Publication Date: 2019.05.28 3 EAST
  • US10304266B1 patent drawing
  • US10304266B1 patent drawing
  • US10304266B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for commissioning a collection of electronic locks by inserting the same electronic key into each of the locks and recording in the electronic key an internal code unique to that lock which identifies the lock and is needed to open the lock and a method for biometrically permitting controlled secure access to a container having one of the commissioned electronic locks.