Automated Key Cabinet with Reservation Code Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fleet management systems require manual attendance and data recording at motor pool areas, which becomes inefficient with large fleets or vehicles spread across multiple locations, necessitating improved methods for vehicle reservation, key management, and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a reservation module generating a code for vehicle access, an electronic key cabinet with user-entry means, and a control module for unlocking key compartments, along with data transmission on vehicles for mileage, location, and engine conditions, enabling automated vehicle management and minimal staff intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual attendance and data recording are used at motor pool areas, then staff can monitor vehicle pick-up and drop-off, but the system becomes inefficient when the motor pool includes a large number of vehicles or vehicles located in multiple areas
Solution Approach 1:
The key cabinet system enables self-service operation where users can independently retrieve keys by entering reservation codes, eliminating the need for staff to manually monitor and distribute keys at motor pool areas. The system automatically manages key distribution based on pre-configured reservations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (staff physically monitoring and distributing keys) with an automated electronic system that uses keypads, control modules, and electronic key compartments to manage vehicle access automatically.
2Reliability
If staff manually record data on vehicles such as mileage readings, then maintenance schedules can be tracked, but the process becomes problematic when the motor pool includes a substantially large number of vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic feedback mechanisms where vehicle data (mileage, location, engine conditions) is transmitted from vehicles to the central system, enabling automatic tracking of maintenance schedules without manual data entry by staff.
Solution Approach 2:
Vehicles automatically transmit their own data (mileage readings, engine conditions, location) to the central system, eliminating the need for staff to manually record this information. The system self-updates maintenance tracking data.
3Extent of automation
If automated key release is implemented through reservation codes, then staff intervention is minimized, but the system requires integration between reservation system and key cabinet control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reservation system with the key cabinet control system through a centralized control module that receives reservation information and automatically controls key compartment locking/unlocking, creating an integrated automated access system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions: it manages key compartment locking/unlocking, processes reservation codes, and coordinates with the reservation system, making it a universal control unit that handles various aspects of automated key distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for managing a fleet of vehicles including a reservation system for generating a reservation code; a key cabinet including user-entry means for entering said reservation code and one or more key compartments storing keys for each vehicle in the fleet; a control module in communication with the reservation system and the key cabinet for assigning an unlocked condition to at least one of the key compartments based on entry of a reservation code.