Keyless Padlock Mechanics Substitution

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional padlocks require physical keys for operation, which can be inconvenient and less secure compared to keyless systems that utilize signal-based unlocking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A keyless padlock system that incorporates a signal receiver, control assembly, and actuator within the padlock body, allowing unlocking via a unique identifying code transmitted from a personal computing device, eliminating the need for physical keys and enabling multifactor authentication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a keyless padlock system with signal receiver, control assembly, and actuator is implemented, then security and convenience are improved by eliminating physical keys, but device complexity increases due to additional electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-cylinder locking system with an electronic keyless system comprising a signal receiver, control assembly, and actuator. The mechanical key insertion and turning operation is substituted with wireless signal transmission and electronic control, thereby eliminating the need for physical keys while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a microcontroller as an intermediary component that receives wireless signals from mobile devices, processes authentication codes, and controls the actuator accordingly. This intermediary layer enables secure communication between the external wireless system and the internal mechanical locking mechanism, bridging the gap between electronic signaling and mechanical locking actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a keyless padlock system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved by eliminating physical key insertion, but device complexity increases due to additional electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-cylinder locking system with an electronic keyless system comprising a signal receiver, control assembly, and actuator. The mechanical key insertion and turning operation is substituted with wireless signal transmission and electronic control, thereby eliminating the need for physical keys while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multifactor authentication protocols are implemented, then security is enhanced, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to additional authentication steps

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidloss of time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-registering multiple authentication factors (such as biometric data, PIN codes, or encrypted keys) in the control assembly before the actual locking operation. When unlocking is required, the system quickly verifies these pre-configured factors without requiring time-consuming manual entry or multiple sequential steps, thereby enhancing security while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9672672B2Keyless padlock, system and method of use

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 ECO SYST LTD

AI summary

A keyless padlock having a padlock body, a shackle, a locking mechanism located in the body and associated with the shackle to lock the shackle to the body in a locked condition and to release at least a part of the shackle in an unlocked condition, the locking mechanism including a signal receiver, at least one control assembly and at least one actuator, the locking mechanism being unlocked upon verification of a signal including an unlock code transmitted by a mobile computing device.