Devices, systems, apparatuses, and methods for smart cam locks and key lock boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam locks and key lock boxes face challenges with physical key management, requiring shared passcodes or numerical combinations, leading to inefficiencies and security risks due to the need for physical key distribution and potential loss or forgetting of access information.
Innovation Solution
A smart cam lock and smart key lock box system that uses a control unit with features like barcode scanners, GPS, wireless communication, and encryption, allowing for keyless access through digital authentication and centralized management, eliminating the need for physical keys and reducing security risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical keys or passcodes are used for cam lock access, then the locking mechanism is simple and reliable, but security risks increase due to key loss, theft, or forgotten passcodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical key-based locking systems with electronic and wireless technologies including RFID readers, barcode scanners, and mobile application interfaces. This substitution eliminates physical keys that can be lost or stolen, while maintaining reliable access control through multiple digital authentication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a key lock box as an intermediary device that securely stores physical keys and provides controlled access through digital authentication. The lock box acts as a mediator between the secured asset and the user, eliminating direct physical key distribution while maintaining access reliability.
2Ease of operation
If physical keys are distributed for access, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of information occurs when keys are lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of access credentials through RFID tags, barcode labels, and mobile application credentials. These digital copies can be replicated and distributed without physical constraints, eliminating key loss while maintaining ease of operation through contactless or app-based access methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical key distribution with electronic credential distribution via RFID, barcode, or mobile application. This substitution eliminates the possibility of physical key loss while maintaining operational convenience through automated recognition and access granting systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users share passcodes for access, then adaptability increases for different users, but security risks increase due to passcode sharing and forgetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments access credentials into individual user-specific RFID tags, barcode labels, or mobile application credentials. Each user receives their own unique credential rather than sharing a common passcode, maintaining adaptability for multiple users while eliminating security risks associated with passcode sharing and forgetting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized management system as an intermediary that controls and monitors access credentials for multiple users. This system can issue, revoke, and track individual user credentials, providing adaptability for different users while maintaining security through centralized control and audit trails.
4Device complexity
If traditional lock boxes with keypads are used, then device complexity is low, but loss of time occurs due to code entry and remembering combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual keypad code entry with automated recognition systems including RFID readers, barcode scanners, and mobile application authentication. These systems automatically recognize user credentials and grant access without requiring users to remember or manually enter combinations, eliminating time loss while maintaining simple device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-programmed access credentials (RFID tags, barcode labels, mobile credentials) that are prepared in advance for each user. When a user presents their credential, the system automatically retrieves and verifies the pre-stored access information, eliminating the time required for manual code entry and remembering combinations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to providing electronic locking systems. Using novel designs and network technology, the present systems, methods, and apparatuses can provide a secure alternative to a cam lock or a lock box for storing items that may be left unattended, without the use of a physical key. For example, in certain embodiments, the present systems, methods, and apparatuses can facilitate the locking and unlocking of a cam lock or a lock box by using a digital construct, an encryption system, and various native and/or third-party software components.