Container Locking Bars With Wireless Tamper Detection and GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shipping containers are often tampered with, leading to theft or unauthorized access, despite existing locking mechanisms and seals.
Innovation Solution
Integration of wireless sensor devices and GPS units on locking bars to detect unauthorized door openings and transmit data to a control station, along with secure mounting to protect against environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking bars and seals are used, then the container structure remains simple, but the container is vulnerable to tampering and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple security functions into an integrated system: sensor devices detect unauthorized door opening attempts, GPS devices track container location, and wireless transmission units communicate data to control stations. These previously separate security measures are merged into a coordinated security system that enhances reliability while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar structure is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical locking while also supporting mounted sensor devices, GPS devices, and wireless transmission units. This multi-functional approach allows the same structural element to provide both physical security and electronic monitoring capabilities.
2Loss of information
If sensor devices and GPS units are mounted on locking bars, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection and mechanical security verification with electronic sensing and wireless communication systems. Sensor devices detect door opening attempts electronically, GPS devices provide automated location tracking, and wireless transmission units send data without human intervention. This substitution reduces information loss by providing continuous automated monitoring while the modular electronic architecture helps manage system complexity.
3Reliability
If locking bars are used to secure doors, then door security is improved, but unauthorized access can still occur through tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor devices mounted on the locking bars detect unauthorized door opening attempts and immediately transmit alerts to control stations. The system continuously monitors the locking bar position and door status, providing real-time feedback about security breaches. This allows authorized personnel to respond promptly to tampering attempts, enhancing both door security and detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor devices act as intermediaries between the mechanical locking system and the electronic monitoring system. They detect physical attempts to manipulate the locking bars or doors and convert these mechanical events into electrical signals that can be transmitted and analyzed. This intermediary function bridges the gap between mechanical security and electronic detection, making unauthorized access detectable.
Data Source
AI summary
A shipping container the comprises a container body for containing goods. First and second doors are positioned at a first end of the container body, and move between open and closed positions for enabling storage and removal of the goods from the container body. Locking bars extend longitudinally along the outside of the doors and which operate to lock and unlock the doors. At least one sensor device is mounted on at least one of the locking bars, and operates wirelessly to transmit to a control station data indicating an unauthorized attempt to open at least one of the doors. At least one global positioning satellite device is mounted on at least one of the locking bars, and operates to indicate the global position of the container.