Keyless Puck Lock Mechanism for Hockey Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional puck locks with mechanical keys face challenges in key management, security vulnerabilities due to keyway openings, and exposure to moisture, leading to maintenance issues and compromised security.
Innovation Solution
A keyless puck lock system with a wireless communications and power interface, featuring a locking assembly, electronic latching mechanism, microprocessor, and wireless communications chipset, allowing for secure, keyless operation and easy installation on various doors using electronic devices via wireless signals, with a hasp assembly and RF/IR circuit board for secure data and power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical key system is used in a puck lock, then the lock can be operated manually, but key management becomes difficult and security is compromised due to keyway openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key system with an electronic locking mechanism that uses a microprocessor, wireless communications chipset, and electronic latching mechanism. This eliminates the physical keyway opening that compromises security while maintaining the ability to operate the lock through electronic means including wireless signals and manual override capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical keyway opening is provided for key insertion, then the lock can be unlocked with a key, but the opening exposes internal components to moisture and contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical keyway opening is completely eliminated by replacing the mechanical key operation with an electronic system. The electronic latching mechanism is activated through wireless communications or manual override buttons, eliminating any openings that would expose internal components to moisture and contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a sealed housing design that protects internal electronic components from environmental exposure. The housing acts as a protective barrier without requiring keyway openings, maintaining both security and protection against harmful factors.
3Reliability
If unique mechanical keys are assigned to each lock for security, then individual access control is achieved, but key control administration becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic locking system allows a single lock to accept multiple forms of authentication including wireless signals from various devices, RFID cards, codes, or manual override. This universal access method eliminates the need for unique physical keys for each lock while maintaining individual access control through programmable credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses programmable electronic credentials that can be copied or replicated digitally rather than requiring unique physical keys. Access rights can be programmed and modified electronically, allowing easy administration of access control without physical key distribution.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional padlock with hasp assembly is used, then the lock can be mounted on various enclosures, but the mechanical components are exposed to corrosion and oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces exposed mechanical components with sealed electronic components housed in a protected enclosure. The electronic latching mechanism and locking bolt are contained within a corrosion-resistant housing that eliminates direct exposure to environmental factors while maintaining mounting versatility through the hasp assembly interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyless puck lock apparatus with wireless communications and power interfaces. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a keyless puck lock system enabling a low cost and high security solution that is difficult to tamper with and defeat. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system uses a keyless puck lock assembly that includes a hasp assembly and a keyless lock mechanism that does not require any physical mechanical keys so that it does not have a mechanical cylinder inserted therein to lock or unlock the puck lock. Accordingly, the keyless puck lock system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention does not have a physical keyway which is a security attack point that is included in conventional hockey puck-type locks.