Geofence Transport Sealing via Electronic Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing cargo containers during transportation are inefficient, as traditional locks introduce logistical friction and do not provide evidence of tampering or unauthorized access, increasing the risk of theft and unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
An electronic seal system that uses a detachable sealing shackle with memory devices and a microcontroller to authenticate the shackle, allowing conditional unsealing based on location and geofencing, ensuring secure and monitored access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional padlocks are used to secure cargo containers, then security against theft is improved, but logistical friction increases due to key sharing and physical presentation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical padlock and key system with an electronic seal system that uses electronic authentication and geofencing technology. The seal includes a microcontroller that communicates with a remote server via wireless communication, eliminating the need for physical key exchange and manual lock manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the seal and the authorization process. The server stores authentication credentials and manages geofence definitions, acting as a central mediator that eliminates the need for direct key sharing between parties while maintaining security control.
2Reliability
If traditional padlocks are used to secure cargo containers, then security against theft is improved, but time and cost increase due to cutting locks when keys are lost or combinations forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic seal system replaces mechanical locks with an electronic authentication system that can be remotely opened or expired through software commands, eliminating the need for physical lock cutting when access issues arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple authentication methods and emergency access procedures in advance. The seal can be remotely expired or re-authenticated before actual access problems occur, preventing the need for time-consuming lock cutting operations.
3Reliability
If traditional padlocks are used to secure cargo containers, then basic security is provided, but evidence of tampering or unauthorized access is not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic seal continuously monitors its state and environmental conditions, providing real-time feedback to the remote server. The system logs authentication events, geofence violations, and tampering attempts, creating an auditable trail of all seal interactions and cargo access events.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote server acts as an intermediary that collects, stores, and analyzes security event data from the seal. This centralized data repository provides comprehensive information about tampering attempts and unauthorized access that would be impossible to capture with traditional mechanical locks.
4Reliability
If seals are applied at every stop to provide security, then security coverage is improved, but operational efficiency decreases due to repeated unsealing and resealing
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic seal dynamically adjusts its security state based on location and authorization. The seal remains electronically secured during transit but can be remotely opened or expired at authorized stops without physical removal, allowing continuous security monitoring while enabling efficient operations at designated locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-authorizes specific stops and locations where the seal can be opened or expired. By preparing the authentication credentials and geofence definitions in advance, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming re-authentication at each stop while maintaining security coverage throughout the journey.
Data Source
AI summary
Features are disclosed for sealing system which is dynamically activated based on a vehicle's location within a geofence via a custom access application. Mobile application features are provided to securely adjust the seal state. Requests to change state are verified against location permissions indicating time or place where the seal may be disabled. The requests may also include specific a code known only to system users for authenticating requests.