Electromechanical Key Wireless Server Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems require users to operate both a key and a cellular phone simultaneously to obtain and grant access, which complicates the access process.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical key with communication circuitry and a memory for storing access codes, capable of establishing a wireless connection with a server to receive and transmit access codes to an electromechanical lock, allowing for automatic authentication and operation of the lock without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the user operates both the key and the cellular phone to obtain authorization, then the access authorization can be obtained on-the-fly, but the access process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess authorization capabilityVSAvoidaccess process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cellular phone and the electronic key into a single integrated device. The electronic key includes a communication interface that can directly communicate with the server, eliminating the need to operate separate devices. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability for obtaining authorization while simplifying the access process through unified device operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic key is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a traditional electronic key and as a communication device capable of direct server interaction. This universal design allows the single device to perform multiple functions (authentication and communication), thereby resolving the contradiction between obtaining flexible authorization and maintaining simple operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic key communicates with the server over a wireless connection, then the access code can be retrieved remotely, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidkey system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic key incorporates communication circuitry and a processor that enable it to perform both traditional authentication functions and wireless communication with the server. This multi-functional design allows the key to retrieve access codes remotely while managing the complexity through integrated circuitry rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication interface in the electronic key acts as an intermediary between the key and the server, enabling wireless communication without requiring complex external equipment. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining remote access capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2348490B1Access control system
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 SOLUTIONS OY
  • EP2348490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2348490B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2348490B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An access control system is provided. The access control system includes an electromechanical key provided with wireless communication equipment. The key communicates with a server in order to receive at least one access code granting access to at least one electromechanical lock, and to communicate an appropriate access code received from the server to an electromechanical lock when the key is brought into contact with the lock. If the access code is correct, the lock opens and access is granted.