Handheld Device Retainer with Wireless Authentication Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand portable electronic devices in commercial environments are susceptible to theft or misuse, necessitating secure retention solutions.
Innovation Solution
A retainer apparatus with a lock and sensor system that transitions between locked and unlocked configurations based on wireless signals from the device, ensuring secure retention and release only when authorized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism is used to secure the retainer, then security against theft and misuse is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with an electronic lock mechanism that uses wireless signals (optical, acoustic, or electromagnetic) for authentication. This substitution maintains security while reducing mechanical complexity and enabling more flexible control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary component that detects wireless signals and triggers the lock mechanism. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system by separating the signal reception function from the locking action, making the system more modular and easier to implement.
2Ease of operation
If a sensor and wireless signal system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the retainer automatically unlocks when it detects a valid wireless signal from an authorized device. This eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex user interactions, improving ease of operation while the automated nature keeps the control logic relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from physical key insertion or manual unlocking to wireless signal detection. This parameter change simplifies the user interaction model while the sensor-based detection keeps the system complexity manageable through well-established sensing technologies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the retainer is designed to be movable between multiple positions, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable retainer mechanism that can transition between different positions (reception, retention, and rest positions) to accommodate different operational states. This dynamic design improves adaptability by allowing the system to adjust its configuration based on whether a device is being received, retained, or stored, while using straightforward mechanical movement to avoid excessive complexity.
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 apparatus effectively prevents unauthorized access and theft by allowing secure retention and release of electronic devices based on wireless signals, enhancing security in logistics environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor arranged to receive at least one wireless signal emitted by the hand portable electronic device retained by the retainer
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, a method and a computer program are provided. The apparatus comprises a retainer, for receiving and retaining a hand portable electronic device, that comprises a lock and at least one sensor. The lock is configured to transition the retainer between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the locked configuration the retainer is arranged to prevent release of a hand portable electronic device retained by the retainer. The sensor is arranged to receive at least one wireless signal emitted by the hand portable electronic device retained by the retainer. The apparatus further comprises processing circuitry configured to control the lock to transition the retainer from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, based on the at least one wireless signal received by the sensor, in order to enable the hand portable electronic device to be released from the retainer.