Distributed Over-Lock System for Automated Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-storage facilities face challenges with conventional over-lock systems, including high operational costs, manual intervention requirements, delayed access for customers, and security issues with vacant units, due to the need for on-site attendance and inefficient management of delinquent accounts.
Innovation Solution
A distributed over-lock system that uses a mobile device to retrieve an unlock code via a database-linked lock management system, allowing customers to access their storage units without human intervention, by associating an identifier with a customer account and transmitting the unlock code electronically upon payment reconciliation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional electronic over-locks are installed, then automated locking/unlocking functions are achieved, but significant capital improvements and continuous power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronic communication capability from the over-lock itself and places it in a remote management system. The over-lock remains a simple mechanical device without power requirements, while the management system handles all electronic functions remotely, eliminating continuous power consumption at the storage facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote management system as an intermediary between the customer and the over-lock. This intermediary system communicates with the simple mechanical over-lock to transmit unlock codes, eliminating the need for electronic components in the over-lock itself and thus eliminating continuous power requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard combination over-locks are used, then cost is reduced, but delinquent customers can recognize patterns and compromise the security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating unique, random unlock codes for each over-lock before they are distributed to customers. These codes are stored in a database and can be changed remotely without requiring pattern recognition or repeated use, preventing customers from recognizing patterns and compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by allowing the unlock codes to be changed remotely in real-time based on customer account status. The system can dynamically update codes when customers become delinquent or when units are reconfigured, making the static combination lock adaptable and preventing pattern recognition.
3Reliability
If manual over-lock removal is performed, then customer access is controlled, but time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling customers to retrieve their own unlock codes through automated communication with the management system. Customers can access their codes via mobile devices without requiring staff intervention, eliminating the time and labor costs associated with manual code retrieval while maintaining secure access control.
4Ease of operation
If on-site personnel are required for over-lock management, then immediate access can be provided, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of on-site personnel physically visiting storage units with an electronic communication system. The management system communicates unlock codes remotely via mobile devices, eliminating the need for staff to be physically present while maintaining the ability to provide immediate access to customers.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure generally relates to a system and method for managing distributed encrypted combination over-locks from a remote location, where unlock codes for over-locks are transmitted via electronic messaging. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention is a distributed management system that controls access to various locations, such as, for example, self-storage units, hotel rooms, apartment buildings, storage containers, short-term housing rentals, lockers, equipment rooms, vaults, hospitals, airports, government facilities, nuclear power facilities, water treatment facilities, weapon storage facilities, aircraft cockpits, and any other setting that requires restricted, selective, or monitored access that can be remotely controlled, whereby users can request an unlock code via text messaging using a mobile device.