Electronic Padlock Wireless Key Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockout padlocks require multiple units for multiple users, lack clarity on who locked out a device and why, and require complex key management and transfer procedures, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An electronic padlock with a wireless near-field communication interface and processing means that generates unique codes for each closing request, allowing secure authorization and deauthorization through mobile terminals, eliminating the need for multiple physical padlocks and simplifying key management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple conventional padlocks are used for multiple users, then each user can securely lock out the device, but the number of padlocks and keys increases, making management complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conventional padlocks held by different users are merged into a single electronic padlock system. The electronic padlock receives closing requests from multiple mobile terminals via wireless communication, consolidating the function of multiple physical padlocks into one intelligent device, thereby reducing the number of padlocks and keys while maintaining security for multiple users
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical key-based padlock system is replaced with an electronic system using wireless communication and digital authentication. Instead of physical keys and mechanical locking mechanisms, the system uses electronic signals transmitted between mobile terminals and the electronic padlock, eliminating the need for multiple physical keys and simplifying key management through digital code generation and transfer
2Adaptability or versatility
If each device has slots for multiple padlocks, then all users can attach their padlocks, but the device structure becomes more complex and requires more mounting slots
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic padlock serves multiple functions that previously required separate devices: it can receive closing requests from multiple different users, store multiple authentication codes, and manage lockout status for various users. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple single-function padlocks and their corresponding mounting slots, maintaining adaptability while reducing structural complexity
3Ease of operation
If key transfer procedures are implemented, then key management is possible, but the procedures become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The physical key transfer process is replaced with digital code transfer via wireless communication. When a user needs to transfer access rights, the unique code is electronically transmitted from one mobile terminal to another through the communication interface, eliminating the need for physical key handover and significantly reducing the time and complexity of key management operations
4Loss of information
If lockout information is tracked for each padlock, then accountability is maintained, but tracking and managing this information becomes difficult with multiple padlocks
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic padlock implements automated feedback mechanisms that track and record all closing and opening requests from different users. The processing means stores information about each user's actions in memory, automatically generating and managing the lockout information trail. This automated tracking system maintains accountability for all users while simplifying information management compared to manual tracking of multiple separate padlocks
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic padlock (CAD) and to a mobile terminal (TM) for controlling the electronic padlock through a wireless connection, e.g. NFC. The electronic padlock particularly enables the management of the lockout of electric apparatuses. The invention also relates to a control method used for controlling the electronic padlock. Said control method is used to manage requests from different mobile terminals (TM) for closing and opening the electronic padlock (CAD).