Electronic Lock Box Key Presence Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic lock box systems lack the ability to determine if a key has been properly returned to the secure compartment and may be vulnerable to key loss, theft, or copying, which concerns homeowners and real estate professionals.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock box system equipped with a control circuit, memory circuit, identifier sensing device, and security apparatus that uses RFID, infrared, or bar code technology to detect the presence or absence of a key and record access events, ensuring the key is returned and the compartment is secured, while preventing unauthorized copying through tamper-proof mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electronic lock box systems are used, then basic key storage and access logging are provided, but the ability to determine if a key has been properly returned and prevent key copying is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical key presence detection with electronic sensing systems including RFID readers, optical sensors, and electrical contact sensors that automatically detect key presence and track return to the secure compartment without mechanical intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary sensing devices and communication modules that mediate between the physical key and the control system, enabling indirect detection of key presence, movement, and return status through sensors and wireless communication
2Loss of information
If access logging is implemented to track who accessed the lock box, then accountability is improved, but the ability to detect key copying and unauthorized access remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor the secure compartment state and key presence, providing real-time information to the control system to detect unauthorized access attempts, key copying, or failure to return keys, and log these events for accountability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional sensing system that simultaneously performs access tracking, key presence detection, key return verification, and security monitoring through integrated sensors and communication modules that serve multiple security functions
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
Enhances security by ensuring keys are properly returned and preventing unauthorized copying, providing an audit trail of access and return events, thereby improving peace of mind for homeowners and real estate professionals.
Implementation Method 1
Advances in electronics in the field of radio frequency identification (RFID) and infrared (IR) communications have now provided an available means to develop a cost-effective solution
Implementation Method 2
Advances in electronics in the field of radio frequency identification (RFID) and infrared (IR) communications have now provided an available means
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing keys to a structure. A sensing system allow the lock box to determine whether the contents of the lock box have been replaced as well as ensuring the correct key or object has been returned. The system reports the status of the object back to the central clearinghouse computer through an electronic key or secure memory device.