Electronic Combination Lock with Wireless Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locking devices lack advanced access control mechanisms, particularly in allowing temporary access with limited usage and efficient code management, and do not facilitate wireless communication for remote operation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic combination lock with multiple access levels, including temporary codes that expire after use, and a mobile device application that communicates via wireless signals to manage and unlock the lock, allowing different access permissions and code changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access levels with different permissions are implemented, then access control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system is segmented into three distinct levels (first level with unlimited access and code modification rights, second level with unlimited access only, third level with limited access times), allowing different permission sets to be independently managed and assigned to different users based on their needs
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic combination lock is designed to serve multiple functions: it can unlock the lock, manage multiple user codes, track access times, and modify combination codes, all within a single device platform, reducing the need for separate systems for each function
2Reliability
If temporary codes with limited usage are implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third access level implements dynamic access control where the code validity changes over time or after a certain number of uses. The system dynamically tracks the number of times a temporary code has been used and automatically invalidates it after reaching the predetermined limit, providing time-sensitive security without requiring permanent physical changes to the lock
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages temporary code validation and invalidation without requiring external intervention. The electronic combination lock internally tracks usage counts and autonomously determines whether a temporary code should be accepted or rejected based on the predetermined access limits
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication capability is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual code entry through physical keypads with wireless communication technology. The combination code can be transmitted remotely through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical presence at the lock and simplifying the operation for users who cannot physically access the device
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device, such as a mobile phone, is configured with an application icon on the device display for communications with a combination lock through a wireless signal. The wireless signal includes information indicative of a combination code for operating the combination lock at one of a plurality of access levels, wherein the access levels define the number of access times for unlocking the combination lock. The display is arranged to allow a user to enter a password to unlock the combination lock and, if the user is an administrator, to change the combination codes and the access levels.