Electronic Lock Rolling Code for Pneumatic Tube Container Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pneumatic transport systems for pharmaceuticals lack secure and efficient methods to manage access to controlled substances within the transport containers, particularly in environments like hospitals where secure distribution is critical.

Innovation Solution

A pharmaceutical transport system incorporating a tubular container with an electronic lock that secures using a rolling digital code, allowing manual, wireless, or optical entry, and is managed by an authorization server to ensure secure access, featuring a processor, memory, and electromechanical actuator for secure operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical lock with a fixed code is used to secure the container, then the device complexity is reduced, but the security is compromised due to static code vulnerability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a rolling code mechanism where the digital code changes with each use. The code updates sequentially, making each code valid only for a single unlock attempt. This transforms the static mechanical lock into a dynamic security system that adapts to each access event, thereby improving security without requiring overly complex multi-layered locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical lock system with an electronic locking mechanism. Instead of relying solely on mechanical tumblers and physical keys, the system uses an electronic lock that processes digital codes through a processor. This substitution enables more sophisticated security features like rolling codes and multiple entry methods while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If multiple code entry methods (manual, wireless, optical) are implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by integrating multiple code entry methods into a single electronic lock system. The lock can accept codes through manual keypad entry, wireless transmission via receivers, or optical scanning through cameras. This multi-functional approach allows users to choose the most convenient entry method for their situation, improving ease of operation while consolidating these features into one unified locking device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an authorization server as an intermediary to manage the rolling codes and validate entries. Rather than embedding all code management logic directly in the lock, the system delegates code generation and validation to a centralized server that communicates with the lock. This intermediary approach simplifies the lock's internal complexity while enabling sophisticated security management and multiple entry methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a rolling digital code system is used, then the security is enhanced, but the loss of time increases due to code entry and verification processes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccess time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synchronizing the rolling codes between the authorization server and the electronic lock before access is needed. The system establishes code synchronization in advance, so when a user needs to access the container, the verification process is already primed and ready. This reduces the actual access time while maintaining the security benefits of rolling codes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables rapid code verification by implementing efficient validation protocols that quickly compare entered codes against the current rolling code. The system is designed to process code entries and determine authenticity in minimal time, allowing authorized users to quickly gain access without lengthy verification sequences. This rushing through of the verification process minimizes time loss while maintaining security integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentUS10867457B1Pharmaceutical transport system including electronic lock based pharmaceutical transport container and related methods
Publication Date: 2020.12.15 INMAR RX SOLUTIONS INC
  • US10867457B1 patent drawing
  • US10867457B1 patent drawing
  • US10867457B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A pharmaceutical transport system may include a pneumatic tube network and a pharmaceutical transport container movable within the pneumatic tube network. The pharmaceutical transport container may include a tubular container having open and closed positions for receiving at least one pharmaceutical therein, and an electronic lock securing the tubular container in the closed position and opening based upon a match between an entered digital code and a current changing digital code.