Electronic Seal Using Magnet and Hall Element for Container Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container seals, such as lead seals and sensor-type seals, are inefficient as they require manual installation, can be easily damaged or forged, and are not suitable for protecting the door closure state, leading to security issues during customs inspections.
Innovation Solution
An electronic seal system featuring a magnet and Hall element pair within an ultrasonically molded housing that attaches to a container without opening it, sending signals upon attachment or detachment, and includes additional Hall and optical elements for damage detection, along with a magnet locking device and antenna for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a lead seal is used for container sealing, then the sealing function is provided, but manual working is required and lead waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lead seal system with an electronic seal system that uses magnetic fields (Hall elements detecting magnet position) and electronic signals to provide sealing and monitoring functions. This substitution eliminates manual installation and lead material waste while maintaining the sealing function.
2Reliability
If a clamping sensor seal is installed between door leaves, then door opening detection is enabled, but the door must be opened for installation preventing protection detection when closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the door assembly process. The electronic seal is attached to the container body separately, and the magnet is attached to the door separately. When the door is closed, the magnet contacts the Hall element to complete the sealing circuit, enabling both protection detection and easy installation without requiring door opening.
3Ease of operation
If an electronic seal with magnet and Hall element is used, then easy installation without opening door is achieved, but the seal must be protected from damage and forging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary protective actions by including damage detection sensors (optical sensors or additional Hall elements) that monitor the integrity of the electronic seal housing before and during use. The system also includes authentication mechanisms to prevent forging, ensuring the seal's security is established before deployment.
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
The electronic seal system provides secure, reusable, and easy-to-install protection against unauthorized access and damage, ensuring that any tampering or removal triggers a warning signal, enhancing security without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic seal further comprises at least one magnet and at least one Hall element paired with the magnet, and the magnet and the Hall element are arranged in the housing
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonically molded housing
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention provides an electronic seal and an electronic seal system. The electronic seal is adapted to indicate whether an attached box is opened. The electronic seal comprises an integrated housing having a first surface and a second surface, at least one magnet arranged and at least one Hall element paired with the magnet. The magnet and the Hall element are arranged in the housing. The first surface is adapted to contact and fit with the box, so that the magnet is adapted to contact with and be attached on the box to fix the electronic seal on the box, and after the magnet is attached on the box, the magnet and the Hall element cooperate to send a signal that the electronic seal is moved, when the electronic seal leaves the box.