Bluetooth Proximity Tool Box Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tradesmen often leave their tool boxes unlocked due to the impracticality of repeatedly locking and unlocking them, leading to issues with borrowed tools not being returned.
Innovation Solution
A system for locking and unlocking tool boxes using a Bluetooth-enabled mobile device to control an electric motor and microprocessor, which activates a locking mechanism to allow or prevent access based on the device's proximity, eliminating the need for manual locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided in the tool box, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the convenience of access for the owner deteriorates due to repeated locking and unlocking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-based locking system with an electronic motorized locking mechanism controlled by a microprocessor and Bluetooth communication. The motor-driven lock bar can be actuated remotely via Bluetooth signals from a mobile device, eliminating the need for physical key manipulation and enabling automated locking/unlocking based on proximity detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the tool box to automatically lock and unlock itself based on the presence or absence of the owner's mobile device in proximity. The microprocessor monitors Bluetooth signals and automatically actuates the motor to lock when the device moves away and unlock when it approaches, removing the need for manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the tool box is left unlocked for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but security against tool theft or loss deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the proximity of the owner's mobile device through Bluetooth signal detection and provides real-time feedback control. When the device is detected in proximity, the lock bar is actuated to the unlocked position; when the device moves away, the system automatically locks the box. This closed-loop feedback mechanism dynamically adjusts the locking state based on the owner's presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary locking action automatically when the owner's mobile device moves out of proximity range, securing the tools before the owner even realizes they need to lock the box. This prevents tool theft or loss by ensuring the box is locked proactively rather than reactively.
3Reliability
If Bluetooth tracking is implemented to monitor tool box location, then security and tool recovery capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal Bluetooth capability already present in modern mobile devices to achieve multiple functions: proximity-based automated locking/unlocking control and location tracking for tool recovery. By utilizing the mobile device's existing Bluetooth hardware and capabilities, the system avoids adding separate dedicated tracking hardware to the tool box, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool box or tool cabinet (hereafter: “tool box”) is provided with a locking mechanism having a locked condition in which it prevents access to tools within the tool box, and an unlocked condition in which it allows access to tools within the tool box. An electric motor has a rotor, and is provided with a microprocessor and control circuit, coupled to the motor for controlling it. The microprocessor is adapted to receive Bluetooth signals when paired to a user's portable Bluetooth-enabled mobile device, The microprocessor and control circuit are effective, when the user's portable Bluetooth-enabled mobile device is sufficiently close to the control circuit to be detected, to energise the motor to rotate the rotor in a first sense, effective to disable the locking mechanism to allow access to the tools.