Detachable Cable Lock Locator for Reusable GPS Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable locks lack real-time locating functions and are costly when integrating GPS modules, posing a significant demand in logistics and transportation without a feasible solution.
Innovation Solution
A detachable structure in the cable lock separates the lock body into reusable and disposable parts, incorporating a recyclable locator with GPS or similar systems, allowing real-time location tracking while reducing costs through recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a GPS module is integrated into the cable lock to enable real-time locating function, then the locating capability is improved, but the production and use cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable lock is divided into two separable parts: a reusable lock body containing the GPS locator and a disposable lock core with RFID tag. This segmentation allows the expensive GPS module to be reused across multiple locks while only the cheap RFID tags are replaced, significantly reducing per-unit costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a recoverable locator system where the GPS-containing lock body is retained and reused after the lock core is replaced. The disposable RFID tag is discarded and replaced with a new one, while the expensive GPS hardware is recovered and reused in subsequent locks.
2Reliability
If a GPS module is integrated into the cable lock to enable real-time locating function, then the locating capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is segmented into a reusable lock body with GPS and a disposable lock core with RFID tag. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by separating the complex GPS functionality from the simple locking mechanism, allowing each part to be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock body with GPS locator serves multiple purposes: it provides real-time location tracking, houses the power supply for the GPS, and acts as a reusable base for multiple disposable lock cores. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and simplifies the overall device architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If the lock body is made detachable to enable reusability of the locator, then the cost is reduced through recyclability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body is designed with a detachable connection between the lock core and the main body, allowing easy separation. This segmentation enables the simple mechanical disconnect without requiring complex fastening or fastening mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling reusability.
Data Source
AI summary
A locator for a cable lock includes a lock body part and a locator, wherein the lock body part is a portion of the cable lock. There are beneficial effects due to the solution that the locator can be recycled and reused. A new disposable RFID component can be assembled with a recyclable locator with a relatively high cost from an unlocked cable lock, so as to form a new cable lock to maintain the locating function with increasing cost as less as possible.