Intelligent Shipping Container Locking Assembly with Remote Solenoid Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security bars for shipping container doors lack intelligence and monitoring capabilities, making it difficult to determine the location and time of thefts accurately.

Innovation Solution

A novel locking device with internally movable J-shaped plates and a lock configuration that includes electronic components for remote operation, sensors for monitoring, and protection against environmental factors, allowing for secure and intelligent locking and unlocking of container doors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If traditional security bars are used for container doors, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the device lacks intelligence and monitoring capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintelligency and monitoring capabilitiesVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines traditional mechanical locking components with electronic monitoring and sensing systems into a single integrated security bar assembly. The electronic control unit, sensors, and communication modules are merged with the mechanical lock mechanism to provide both security and intelligence functions in one device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The security bar is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical locking, electronic control, monitoring, sensing, and communication. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to replace multiple separate systems while providing comprehensive security coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If electronic components are added to provide monitoring capabilities, then theft detection improves, but the device becomes more vulnerable to environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft detection capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs protective coatings and sealing films to shield electronic components from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and corrosion. These protective layers allow the electronic components to function while resisting harmful environmental influences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The security bar utilizes composite material construction, combining corrosion-resistant materials with protective coatings to create a structure that protects both mechanical and electronic components from environmental degradation while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the locking mechanism is made more secure, then door security improves, but the device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into modular segments including mechanical locking components, electronic control units, and sensing systems. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide enhanced security through coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The security bar incorporates sensing systems that provide feedback about the locking status, door position, and environmental conditions to the electronic control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust and maintain secure locking while reducing the need for complex manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 device enhances security by providing real-time monitoring and alerting authorities to thefts, improving the chances of recovering stolen goods and deterring unauthorized access with its intelligent locking mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

The device can be configured for remote electronic opening by using a solenoid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS11866962B2Security locking assembly for shipping container doors
Publication Date: 2024.01.09 VALDES RUDD ARTURO
  • US11866962B2 patent drawing
  • US11866962B2 patent drawing
  • US11866962B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A locking device for preferred securement to the locking bars located on the doors of shipping container. The device includes a main frame and two preferably J-shaped plates. The a hub portion along with a first plate define an first securement area for the locking device to a first locking bar and a movable member along with a second plate define a second securement area for the second locking bar. A lock having a main shaft is inserted into the main frame and prevents the plates from being pulled outward. The lock is maintain in positioned by a solenoid which is disposed within a portion of the main frame in a closed/locked position preventing the lock and main shaft from being pulled out of the main frame. Upon receipt of an authorized remote command or password the solenoid is caused to be retracted allowing the main shaft to be move and freeing the two plates so that they can be pulled outwards allowing the locking device to be removed from the locking bars.