Disposable RFID Lock with Spring-Triggered Antenna Destruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security measures for goods or assets during shipment or transportation are inadequate in detecting tampering or harmful activities, as conventional locks require time-consuming visual examination and may not indicate concealed tampering.
Innovation Solution
A cost-prohibitive, disposable RFID locking apparatus that includes an RFID tag, a locking member, and a disabling member, where the RFID tag emits a signal that is disabled upon release of a spring when the locking member is damaged, indicating potential tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locks are used to secure goods or assets, then security protection is provided, but detection of tampering requires time-consuming visual examination and may not indicate concealed tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag provides automatic feedback about the lock's security status. When the locking member is damaged or removed, the spring releases and triggers the disabling member to destroy the RFID tag, which automatically signals tampering without requiring manual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-detection and self-reporting of tampering. The disabling member is automatically activated by spring release to destroy the RFID tag, and the RFID reader automatically detects the missing or damaged tag, eliminating the need for human visual examination.
2Reliability
If conventional locks are used, then security is maintained, but concealed tampering cannot be detected without visual examination
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback about tampering status. The RFID tag's signal status (present or destroyed) continuously informs the system and users about whether the lock has been compromised, even if the tampering is concealed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the presence or absence of the RFID tag signal as an indicator of security status. The RFID reader can detect whether the tag is intact or destroyed, providing clear information about tampering without visual inspection of the lock mechanism.
3Reliability
If a disposable RFID locking apparatus is used, then tampering detection is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID locking apparatus is designed as a disposable unit. The RFID tag, spring, and disabling member are assembled as a single-use component that is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for expensive reusable security systems with complex recovery procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses RFID technology to create a digital copy or representation of the physical lock's security status. The RFID tag contains information about the lock state, allowing electronic monitoring and verification without requiring expensive physical inspection infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick identification and location of assets and alerts users to potential harmful activities by ensuring the RFID tag's signal is only emitted when the locking mechanism is intact, providing real-time security verification.
Implementation Method 1
The cable is configured to compress a spring into a loaded state
Implementation Method 2
The RFID locking apparatus is configured to release the spring when the locking member is damaged
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described and claimed herein provide an RFID locking apparatus including an RFID tag, a locking member, and a disabling member. The RFID tag is disposed inside a housing and has a chip and an antenna that emits a signal. The locking member includes a tube that extends outwardly from within the housing and a cable connected to the disabling member and exiting the housing via the tube. The locking member configured to compress a spring into a loaded state by pulling the cable. The disabling member is disposed near the spring inside the housing and is configured to destroy the antenna and/or the chip, such that the signal cannot be emitted, upon release of the spring from the loaded state. The RFID locking apparatus is configured to release the spring when the locking member is damaged.