Electronic Lock Box Key Disable Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lock boxes lack the ability to provide degrees of privileged access and are susceptible to theft and forced opening due to their accessible nature, allowing unauthorized access to premises or vehicles.

Innovation Solution

An electronic lock box system that disables and enables a programmable key based on access credentials, using a processor, memory, and interface to manage access privileges and power, allowing for full or limited access and preventing unauthorized use even if the key is stolen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional lock boxes store keys in accessible locations for easy retrieval, then ease of operation is improved, but security against theft and forced opening deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of key retrievalVSAvoidsecurity against theft

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key storage system with an electronic lock box that uses electronic credentials (biometric, RFID, keypad) to control access. The programmable key is electronically disabled until authorized access is provided, eliminating the vulnerability of physical key storage while maintaining convenient access for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state parameter of the programmable key from a static physical object to a dynamically controllable electronic component. The key's operational state (enabled/disabled) is changed based on authentication credentials, transforming it from a always-accessible physical key to a conditionally active electronic key.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If conventional lock boxes provide full access keys to users with valid credentials, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to provide privileged access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess grantingVSAvoiddegrees of privileged access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the access privileges dynamic by programming the key with specific privilege levels (full access, limited access, time-restricted access) based on the authenticated user's authorization. Different users can be granted different levels of access, and these privileges can be dynamically assigned and modified through the electronic credential verification process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If programmable keys are pre-programmed with access privileges, then adaptability is improved, but security against unauthorized use deteriorates if the key is stolen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess privilege configurationVSAvoidsecurity against theft

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary disabling of the programmable key by placing it in the electronic lock box in a disabled state. The key is only enabled after successful authentication through the electronic lock box, which verifies credentials and then activates the key with appropriate privileges. This preliminary disabling prevents unauthorized use even if the physical key is stolen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11538301B2Privileged access and anti-theft protection for premises using lock box

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A method is provided herein. The method includes disabling, by an electronic lock box, a programmable key based on the programmable key being placed in the electronic lock box. The method also includes enabling, by the electronic lock box, the programmable key based on the electronic lock box being accessed.