Digital Consignment Blocking Device for Industrial LOTO
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LOTO (LockOut/TagOut) mechanisms, as per OSHA standard 1910.147, are cumbersome and costly due to the need for hundreds of mechanical locks, which are prone to wear, loss, and complex administrative management.
Innovation Solution
A method using a blocking device that can be locked and unlocked via a comparison of access codes transmitted by individual devices, such as mobile telecommunication terminals or digital keys, ensuring secure access to physical resources by requiring multiple agents to participate in the unlocking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical padlocks are used for LOTO compliance, then security and safety control are achieved, but device complexity and administrative management burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical padlocks with an electronic access control system using individual devices (smartphones, tablets, or dedicated electronic keys) that communicate with blocking devices via wireless communication. The electronic system stores and verifies agent identifiers digitally, eliminating the need for physical key management and mechanical locking mechanisms, thereby reducing administrative burden while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of access control functionality by storing agent identifiers and access permissions in electronic form within individual devices and central servers. Multiple electronic copies of access credentials can be distributed to authorized agents without the risk of physical loss or wear, and can be remotely updated or revoked, simplifying administrative management while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple mechanical locks are deployed across the industrial site, then comprehensive security coverage is achieved, but cost and loss risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electronic access control system where a single type of electronic blocking device can control access to multiple different physical resources (machines, equipment, energy sources). The same individual device can authenticate multiple agents and control various blocking devices across the facility, eliminating the need to deploy hundreds of different mechanical lock types and reducing overall quantity while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical lock keys are distributed to agents, then access control is enabled, but risk of permanent blocking and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic system enables agents to autonomously authenticate and gain access to controlled resources by presenting their individual devices. The system automatically verifies credentials and activates or deactivates blocking devices without requiring physical key exchange or manual intervention from security personnel. Agents can independently manage their own access rights through the electronic system, eliminating the risks associated with physical key distribution while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling access to a physical resource by a blocking device which can be locked and unlocked, comprising steps of locking and unlocking the blocking device which comprise comparing an access code transmitted by a first individual device with an access code associated with a first agent, and a step of consigning the blocking device using a set of second individual devices, wherein the unlocking can be carried out only when each of the second individual devices of the set has de-consigned the blocking device.