Electronic Barrel Lock Radial Retaining Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical locks for utility meters face issues with key management, including loss, theft, and unauthorized access due to finite precision and manufacturing variations, limiting the number of unique codes and increasing the likelihood of keys fitting multiple locks, which complicates accountability and security.
Innovation Solution
An electronic barrel lock with a shape memory alloy, solenoid, or piezoelectric actuator controlled by a circuit that receives signals from a key, allowing radial extension or retraction of retaining members to lock or unlock the mechanism, providing enhanced security and control without physical key duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical locks with physical keys are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to key loss, theft, and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-lock system with an electronic locking mechanism that uses electronic keys (transponders, RFID cards, or biometric sensors) to actuate the locking mechanism. This substitution eliminates physical keys that can be lost or stolen, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through electronic authentication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of key identification from physical dimensions (mechanical cuts and shapes) to electronic parameters (electronic signals, RFID codes, or biometric data). This parameter change allows for significantly more unique codes and enhances security against unauthorized access while preserving user convenience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical locks are standardized for broad compatibility, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to finite precision and variations
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical key-cylinder interface with an electronic interface, the patent eliminates the tolerance accumulation problems inherent in mechanical systems. The electronic key interface can be manufactured with higher precision and maintained across multiple units without degradation, while still providing broad adaptability through software configuration and electronic protocol compatibility.
3Reliability
If the number of unique key codes is increased, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to electronic control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic locking mechanism replaces the simple mechanical tumblers with an electronic control system that can accommodate a vastly larger number of unique codes. While the internal complexity increases, the external interface remains simple and the electronic system provides superior reliability through enhanced code uniqueness and security features.
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 significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and key management issues by allowing for a larger number of unique codes and providing electronic accountability, enhancing security and reducing the need for frequent rekeying or replacement.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic barrel lock with a shape memory alloy, solenoid, or piezoelectric actuator
Implementation Method 2
An electronic barrel lock with a shape memory alloy, solenoid, or piezoelectric actuator
Implementation Method 3
An electronic barrel lock with a shape memory alloy, solenoid, or piezoelectric actuator
Data Source
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.