Portable Electronic Key Dock With Secure Removable Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic key retention systems for vehicles lack a secure and convenient method for removing and storing the electronic key, which can compromise security and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A portable dock system for electronic key retention devices that includes a key holder, a base with pins for electrical connection, and a locking mechanism with a locking arm that transitions between locked and unlocked states, allowing secure storage and easy removal of the electronic key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic key is permanently retained in the vehicle, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to remove and store the key externally
Solution Approach 1:
The key retention system is divided into two separate components: a fixed retention device mounted in the vehicle and a removable portable dock. This segmentation allows the key to be securely retained in the vehicle when needed while enabling easy removal and external storage in the portable dock, thus maintaining both security and operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable dock serves as an intermediary device between the vehicle's fixed retention device and the electronic key. It provides a secure interface that allows the key to be transferred between the vehicle and external storage, enabling users to remove and store the key externally without compromising security.
2Ease of operation
If the electronic key is made removable from the vehicle, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to risk of unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the key retention function into a fixed secure mounting in the vehicle and a removable portable dock with its own locking mechanism. This allows the key to be easily removed and stored externally while maintaining security through the portable dock's locking system that requires authentication to open.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable dock acts as a secure intermediary that mediates between the vehicle's retention system and external storage. It provides authenticated access control, ensuring that only authorized users can remove and access the key, thus maintaining security while enabling ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the portable dock, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the portable dock as a unified system where the actuator, locking arm, and key holder work together as a single assembly. This merging of components provides robust security while minimizing the number of separate parts, thus reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable dock is designed with multi-functionality, combining key storage, locking/unlocking mechanisms, and electrical connection capabilities in a single device. This universal design provides comprehensive security features without requiring multiple separate components, thereby reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A key retention device and a portable dock for the key retention device are disclosed. The key retention device includes a key holder and a base. The key holder is rotatably coupled to the base. The base includes pins that extend into a cavity of the key holder when the key holder is in a closed position and do not extend into the cavity when the key holder is in an open position. The base includes a finger that prevents users from inserting an electronic key into the key holder when the key holder is in the closed position. The key retention device can receive the portable dock and lock the key holder in the locked position when a user input is received. The user input can be provided to the key retention device to remove an electronic key from the portable dock or to remove the portable dock altogether.