Electronic Barrel Lock Actuation for Utility Meter Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical locks for utility meters are prone to key loss, theft, and unauthorized access due to their finite key codes and lack of accountability, making it difficult to manage and secure electricity metering systems effectively.

Innovation Solution

An electronic barrel lock with a movable retaining member and an electrically controlled actuator that changes positions based on signals from a key, using components like shape memory alloys, solenoids, or piezoelectric actuators, to provide secure and controlled access without the need for physical key replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical locks with finite key codes are used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but security reliability deteriorates due to key loss, theft, and unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical lock and key system with an electronic locking mechanism that uses electronic keys (fobs, cards, or biometric devices) communicating via radio frequency identification (RFID) or similar wireless technology. This substitution eliminates physical key loss and theft while providing enhanced security through electronic authentication and centralized control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the authentication parameter from physical mechanical key codes to electronic signals with unique identifiers. This allows for an effectively infinite number of unique key codes, enhanced security through encryption, and the ability to remotely disable or reprogram keys, thereby improving security reliability without being constrained by mechanical key code limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If mechanical locks are used, then ease of operation is maintained through simple key insertion, but loss of information occurs when keys are lost or stolen requiring rekeying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey control informationVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a centralized control system that provides feedback and tracking capabilities for each electronic key. The system can monitor key usage, identify lost or stolen keys, and immediately disable them remotely. This feedback mechanism prevents loss of information control without requiring physical rekeying, as the electronic system can be reprogrammed instantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic locking mechanism serves multiple functions: authentication, authorization, tracking, and remote management. A single electronic key system can replace numerous mechanical keys, and the same system provides both access control and administrative control functions, eliminating the need for separate key management processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standardized barrel locks are used across multiple installations, then ease of manufacture and deployment is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when key control needs to be customized for different locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey control adaptabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic key management system where electronic keys and lock configurations can be remotely programmed and modified without physical changes to the locking mechanism. This allows the same standardized hardware to adapt to different security requirements at various locations through software configuration, providing both manufacturing simplicity and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The electronic barrel lock enhances security by reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access and key-related issues, allowing for more efficient management of utility metering systems with improved accountability and reduced temporary loss of control.

Implementation Method 1

using components like shape memory alloys, solenoids, or piezoelectric actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

using components like shape memory alloys, solenoids, or piezoelectric actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Implementation Method 3

using components like shape memory alloys, solenoids, or piezoelectric actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250012113A1Electronic locking apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 DEWALCH TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

An electronic locking mechanism has a body portion with movable retaining members that are controlled utilizing an electrically controlled actuator. The actuator operates the retaining member to move radially outwardly of the body portion circumference in a locked position and allows the retaining member to move radially inwardly of the circumference in an unlocked position. An electronic key can be utilized to operate the electronic locking mechanism.