Tamper-Evident Key Holder With Electronic Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching electronic memory devices to keys are bulky and tamper-evident solutions are cumbersome, making it difficult to manage and identify multiple keys efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A compact key holder made from durable material that attaches a touch memory button to the key head, allowing for secure and tamper-evident electronic identification and storage, with a foldable design that prevents re-opening and tampering, enabling unique electronic memory for each key without altering the key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If electronic memory devices are attached to keys using tags with wires or rings, then key identification and tracking capability is improved, but the bulkiness and cumbersome nature of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electronic memory device, the attachment mechanism, and the key identification function into a single integrated holder assembly. The holder directly attaches to the key head and houses the memory device, eliminating the need for separate tags, wires, and rings, thus reducing overall bulk while maintaining identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic memory device is nested within the holder structure, which itself attaches to the key head. This nested arrangement allows the memory device to be compactly integrated with the attachment mechanism, reducing the overall volume compared to separate components.
2Reliability
If tags with wires are used to attach memory devices to keys, then tamper-evident capability is improved, but the assembly becomes bulkier and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism and tamper-evident features are merged into the holder structure itself. The holder uses a closure system with lugs that engage with slots, providing tamper-evident security while maintaining a compact, integrated form that is easier to handle than separate tags and wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder appears to use a thin-walled structure with flexible closure mechanisms that can be opened and closed. This thin-film approach provides tamper-evident capability through the closure system while minimizing the overall bulk of the attachment assembly.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple keys share the same touch memory button via rings, then the number of memory devices is reduced, but the ability to individually track and manage each key is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sharing a single memory device among multiple keys, the patent provides each key with its own integrated holder containing a dedicated electronic memory device. This segmentation allows individual tracking and management of each key while maintaining a compact form factor comparable to the key itself.
4Loss of information
If separate tags and rings are used for each key with electronic memory, then individual key identification is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple assemblies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attachment mechanism, memory device housing, and identification function into a single integrated holder assembly for each key. This eliminates the need to manage separate tags, wires, and rings, reducing management complexity while maintaining individual key identification capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of providing a compact, tamper-evident means of combining individual keys with unique electronic memory identifiers. The disclosure involves a holder that is manufactured to attach some form of electronic identification, such as a touch memory button, to the head of a key. Once attached, the assembly can be mounted and read electronically to continually account for the identification, presence, access rights, and removal or replacement of the assembly from storage. Application of the key holder would not require alteration of the key in any manner, and thus could occur when the individual keys are either ready for distribution or already distributed and in regular use. The key holder would preferably be tamper-evident and prevent removal of the touch memory button without destruction of the holder, and possibly even the key itself.