Central Lock Key Box for Single-Key Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In lock systems for controlling access to devices like parking meters and fuel dispensing points, there is a challenge in efficiently managing and controlling the use of keys among multiple users, particularly in ensuring secure storage and appropriate access rights.
Innovation Solution
A closed storage box with a central lock that controls auxiliary locks, allowing only one key to be removed at a time, using a mechanism where the central lock's rotary movement aligns with specific auxiliary locks to enable their operation, preventing misuse by ensuring keys are stored until returned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple keys are stored in a box with multiple independent locks, then each key can be accessed independently, but it becomes difficult to control and track key usage and prevent misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into a central lock and multiple auxiliary locks, where the central lock controls access to the box and the auxiliary locks control individual key access. This segmentation allows independent control of each key while maintaining overall system security through the central lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The central lock serves multiple functions: it secures the box closure and simultaneously controls the operation of all auxiliary locks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each key, simplifying the overall system while maintaining strict access control.
2Reliability
If all keys are kept inside the box in locks, then security is maintained, but keys cannot be easily accessed when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having the central lock automatically unlock the selected auxiliary lock before key removal is attempted. This preliminary unlocking action ensures that only authorized keys can be accessed at any given time, maintaining security while enabling convenient access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The central lock acts as an intermediary between the user and the auxiliary locks. It mediates access by controlling which auxiliary lock can be operated at any time, thus securing keys while allowing controlled access without requiring the box to be opened.
3Ease of operation
If any auxiliary lock can be operated at any time, then key access is convenient, but misuse can occur when multiple keys are removed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the operation of auxiliary locks through the central lock mechanism until proper authorization is given. The central lock must first be unlocked to enable auxiliary lock operation, and only one auxiliary lock can be operated at a time, preventing simultaneous removal of multiple keys and thus preventing misuse.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and storage and locking arrangement for storing keys to locks and controlling the use of keys. The storage and locking arrangement consists of a closed box or a similar storage unit, a central lock and its key, as well as a number of auxiliary locks, each having its designated key. The locks are arranged in a closed box or similar storage unit so that they can be unlocked using keys from the outside of the box. The central lock is arranged to control the operation of the auxiliary locks so that when the central lock is locked, it prevents the keys to the auxiliary locks from being removed from their respective locks, and once the central lock is unlocked, it can be used to select the operation of any single auxiliary lock at a time using the corresponding key so that the key to the auxiliary lock can be removed from the auxiliary lock.