Electromechanical Locks With Remote Tracking for Valuables After Room Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems, such as hotel locking systems, fail to prevent the removal of guest valuables once access is gained, and staff can freely enter guest rooms, posing a security risk.

Innovation Solution

A security system comprising an electromechanical lock with a remote tracking device using Bluetooth Low Energy wireless protocol to monitor the movement and position of valuables, triggering alarms or notifications upon disturbance, and integrating with mobile devices for authentication and tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an offline access control system is used, then access rights can be controlled for guest rooms, but valuables can be readily removed once access is gained and staff can freely enter rooms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control reliabilityVSAvoidtheft risk and unauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides security into two segments: access control (fixture lock) and asset protection (tracking device). The tracking device is separated from the fixture and attached to the valuable itself, creating independent security layers that address both access control and theft prevention simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The remote tracking device acts as an intermediary between the valuable and the security system. It monitors the valuable's position and communicates with the fixture via Bluetooth Low Energy, providing real-time security monitoring without requiring direct integration with the access control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a tracking device is attached to the valuable, then unauthorized movement can be detected, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevaluable securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical security measures with electronic tracking and wireless communication. The tracking device uses Bluetooth Low Energy wireless protocol instead of physical security mechanisms, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining security effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking device monitors changes in physical parameters (position, movement, light) to detect disturbances. By converting physical security requirements into measurable parameter changes, the system achieves reliable detection with simpler device architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances the security of valuables by alerting owners of unauthorized movement and allowing for real-time tracking and investigation, minimizing theft and increasing customer satisfaction.

Implementation Method 1

a fixture (12) comprising an electromechanical lock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic lock: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the wirelessly communication includes usage of a Bluetooth Low energy wireless protocol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3384474B1Security system with fixture and tracking devices for in room security of valuables
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3384474B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3384474B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3384474B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A security system includes an fixture and a tracking device in wireless communication with the fixture to communicate a disturbance to the tracking device.