Lock Housing Key Structure With Compression-Based Authentication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical and electronic locking systems lack robust authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and tampering, particularly in scenarios where unique identification information or mechanical keys are used.

Innovation Solution

A lock housing device and key structure combination that utilizes a central processing unit, distance measuring devices, and compressible members to authenticate the key by measuring compression lengths and resistance values, ensuring alignment and material composition match known values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional key structure is used, then the key can be easily lost or stolen, but the security and reliability of the locking mechanism deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity reliabilityVSAvoidkey management convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The key fob is nested within the lock housing device, with the key ring integrated into the housing structure. The key can be stored securely inside the housing while still being accessible when needed, creating a nested configuration that prevents loss while maintaining usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the key, key ring, and lock housing into a single integrated assembly. The key is permanently attached to the key ring which is integrated into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate key management and preventing keys from being lost or stolen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the key is made detachable for easy access, then ease of operation improves, but the risk of loss and theft increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekey accessibilityVSAvoidanti-theft capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The key structure is segmented into functional components (key blade, key ring, housing) that are permanently attached to each other through integrated connections. This segmentation allows the key to be easily accessed as a complete unit while preventing detachment that could lead to loss or theft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lock housing device is made complex with integrated features, then security and functionality improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock housing device serves multiple functions: it protects the key, provides a key ring for attachment, offers a storage compartment for key fobs, and acts as a structural housing. By integrating these multiple functions into a single device, the patent reduces the need for separate components while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4237644B1Lock housing device and key structure
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • EP4237644B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4237644B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4237644B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An apparatus includes an enclosure (104,106), a central processing unit (108), a power source (112), a first distance measuring device (114), a first compressible member (118), and a first housing pin (116A-116F), where the central processing unit (108) is electrically coupled to the power source (112) and the first distance measuring device (114). A first end of the first compressible member (118) is mechanically coupled to a first end of the first housing pin (116A-116F) and a second end of the first compressible member (118) is mechanically coupled to an inner surface of the enclosure (104,106). The first distance measuring device (114) positioned at the second end of the first compressible member (118), where the first distance measuring device (114) is configured to measure a first distance to the first end of the first housing pin (116A-116F). A first key pin (204A-204F) of a key structure (200) disposed in the enclosure (104,106), where the first key pin (204A-204F) is configured to compress the first compressible member (118) the first distance.