Electronic Key Storage Device with Biometric Authentication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic key storage systems lack efficient management and security features for multiple electronic keys, particularly in environments where key loss and unauthorized access are concerns.

Innovation Solution

An electronic key storage device with a storage unit for key information, user authentication via password, biometric, NFC, or RFID, and a control unit for managing key holders, including sensors for door status detection, an LCD panel, keypad, speaker, and light emitting units for status indication, and a camera for security monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple electronic keys are stored in a key storage box with simple key holders, then key storage capacity is improved, but key management efficiency and security deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey storage capacityVSAvoidkey management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the simple mechanical key holder system with an electronic key storage device that uses electronic authentication (biometric sensors, NFC, RFID) and automated control systems. The control unit automatically manages key distribution and tracking, eliminating manual key management while maintaining storage capacity for multiple electronic keys.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic key storage device enables self-service key management through automated authentication and key release mechanisms. Users can authenticate themselves and retrieve assigned electronic keys without manual intervention, while the system automatically tracks key usage and maintains security protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If electronic locking devices are used instead of mechanical locks, then security and convenience are improved, but the risk of key loss and unauthorized access increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidkey loss and unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect key removal, door opening/closing events, and authentication attempts. The control unit receives this feedback and responds by tracking key usage, generating alerts for unauthorized access, and maintaining security logs, thereby preventing and responding to key loss and unauthorized access incidents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic key storage device acts as an intermediary between users and electronic locking devices. It securely stores electronic keys, authenticates users through multiple methods (biometric, NFC, RFID), and controls key distribution, thereby preventing direct exposure of keys and reducing the risk of loss and unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If user authentication and tracking features are added to the key storage device, then security and management capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity and management capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional electronic key storage device that combines key storage, multiple authentication methods (biometric sensor, NFC reader, RFID reader), key tracking, and security monitoring in a single integrated system. The control unit coordinates all these functions, managing electronic keys and user authentication while providing comprehensive security and management capabilities without requiring separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 user convenience and security by allowing secure authentication, tracking key usage, and providing alerts for unauthorized access, while efficiently managing multiple electronic keys.

Implementation Method 1

a biometric sensor configured to detect user authentication information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiometric identification:

Implementation Method 2

an NFC reader configured to communicate with an NFC tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNFC (Near Field Communication):

Implementation Method 3

an RFID reader configured to communicate with an RFID tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification):

Data Source

PatentUS11544980B2Electronic key storage device

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 PLATFORMBASE CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic key storage device including an openable and closable door and a plurality of key holders includes a storage unit configured to store key information of an electronic key usable for each registered user and location information of the key holder matching the electronic key, a user authentication unit configured to perform user authentication by receiving user authentication information so that the door is openable or closable, and a control unit configured to control a fastening operation of the key holder to put the electronic key in the key holder and take the electronic key out of the key holder.