Vehicle Cargo Carrier Electronic Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo carriers attached to vehicles are vulnerable to theft due to their exterior location, and existing locking systems are inadequate for secure sharing among multiple users or for use on multiple vehicles, often requiring frequent key changes and lacking advanced security features.
Innovation Solution
A cargo carrier system that integrates with a vehicle, using a processor and transceiver to communicate with mobile devices for secure access control, activating vehicle alarms upon unauthorized access attempts, and maintaining access logs, allowing secure sharing and use across multiple vehicles without physical keys or combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locks are used on exterior cargo carriers, then the cargo can be secured, but the system requires frequent key changes and lacks multi-user accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical key-based locking systems with an electronic access control system that uses mobile device communications. The processor receives access requests from mobile devices and controls the lock accordingly, eliminating the need for physical keys and combinations while enabling multi-user access without frequent lock changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single lock system is used for multiple users, then key management becomes complex, but the patent implements multi-user access control
Solution Approach 1:
The lock control system is designed to work with multiple mobile devices simultaneously, providing universal access control for multiple users. The processor can identify and respond to access requests from different mobile devices, allowing the same lock system to serve multiple users without requiring separate physical locks or key management.
3Quantity of substance
If cargo carriers are placed on vehicle exterior, then cargo capacity is improved, but vulnerability to theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems with an electronic access control system that provides enhanced security monitoring. The system can detect unauthorized access attempts and potentially alert users, thereby reducing theft vulnerability while maintaining the exterior cargo carrier configuration that provides increased cargo capacity.
4Reliability
If frequent lock changes are implemented for security, then security is improved, but time loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital copies of access credentials stored on mobile devices instead of physical keys. Multiple users can have digital access credentials without requiring physical lock changes. The system maintains security by controlling access through the processor while eliminating the need for frequent lock changes associated with key management.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for managing cargo. A cargo carrier attaches to a vehicle and includes an interior cavity for storing one or more items. The cargo carrier includes a lock configured to secure the interior cavity. The cargo carrier includes a lock control unit configured to lock or unlock the lock. The cargo carrier includes a processor configured to receive an access communication via a transceiver identifying a first mobile device, and an access communication via the transceiver identifying a second mobile device. The processor is configured to receive an unlocking communication from the first mobile device, and in response transmit a communication to the lock control unit to cause the lock to be unlocked. The processor is configured to receive an unlocking communication from the second mobile device, and in response transmit a communication to the lock control unit to cause the lock to be unlocked.