Electronic Gun Rack Unlock Control Against Hot-Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic gun racks can be compromised by unauthorized users through 'hot-wiring' by cutting power wires and providing an external power source to release the lock, allowing unauthorized access to the weapon.
Innovation Solution
A system that encodes a pattern in a signal to release the locking mechanism, which must be decoded and matched by a controller within a tamper-resistant container before allowing activation of the solenoid, using modulation on a power wire or wireless transmission, incorporating biometric data and various communication protocols to ensure secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple power wire connection is used to activate the solenoid, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates as unauthorized users can hot-wire the system by cutting power wires and providing external power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an encoded signal as an intermediary between the power source and the solenoid activation. The controller requires both power and a valid encoded signal to activate the solenoid, preventing unauthorized activation even if power is supplied externally. This mediator (encoded signal verification) blocks the harmful hot-wiring attack while maintaining legitimate access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple electrical connection mechanism with an electronic signal verification system. Instead of directly connecting power to the solenoid, the system uses a controller that processes encoded signals through modulation on the power wire, substituting the mechanical/electrical direct activation with an electronic authentication layer.
2Reliability
If an encoded signal verification system is implemented, then security is improved by preventing hot-wiring, but device complexity increases due to the need for signal encoding, modulation, and decoding components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power wire serve multiple functions: it provides both electrical power to the controller and carries the encoded authentication signal through modulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signal transmission wires, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining security enhancements.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses its existing power input to also receive the encoded signal, making the power wire self-sufficient for dual purposes. The system leverages the necessary power connection to also carry authentication information, eliminating the need for additional dedicated signal wires and reducing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If the power wire is used for both power supply and signal transmission, then the number of wires is reduced simplifying the system, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the encoded signal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic modulation of the power wire to encode the authentication signal. By varying the electrical characteristics of the power wire in a periodic or patterned manner, the controller can distinguish the encoded signal from the steady power supply, facilitating detection and measurement while maintaining wire reduction.
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
Prevents unauthorized access by requiring a correct encoded signal to activate the locking mechanism, preventing hot-wiring attempts and ensuring secure retention of the gun within the rack.
Implementation Method 1
The signal is received via modulation on a power wire that powers the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a controller in communication with a transmission device. The system further includes a gun rack that includes a locking mechanism. The controller is configured to release the locking mechanism in response to receiving, from the transmission device via modulation on a power wire that powers the controller, a pattern that corresponds to a predetermined pattern.