Magnet-Equipped Lock State Detection for Secure Vehicle Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for locking personal mobility vehicles in dynamic transportation networks face issues such as user frustration due to incomplete locking/unlocking, inaccurate lock state information, and decreased system efficiency, leading to increased security risks and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A magnet-equipped lock system using a pin with a magnet and a Hall Effect sensor to accurately detect the lock's state, preventing accidental re-locking and ensuring secure, efficient locking/unlocking through communication with a dynamic transportation matching system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking systems are used requiring manual locking and app reporting, then users can lock vehicles, but users may forget to lock or report, decreasing vehicle security and user satisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system automatically detects its own state through the Hall Effect sensor and communicates this state to the server without requiring user intervention. The system self-monitors whether the pin is inserted or removed and automatically updates the vehicle availability status, eliminating the need for users to manually report lock state.
Solution Approach 2:
The Hall Effect sensor provides continuous feedback about the pin position to the lock system, which then communicates this information to the server. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate tracking of lock state and vehicle availability, preventing the information loss that occurs with manual reporting.
2Loss of information
If manual lock state reporting is used, then users can indicate vehicle status, but poor information about lock state results in inaccurate trip recording and decreased system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical reporting process is replaced with an automated electronic sensing system. The Hall Effect sensor electronically detects the pin position and automatically transmits this data to the server, eliminating information loss associated with manual reporting and improving system efficiency.
3Reliability
If users are required to both lock and report via app, then vehicle security can be maintained, but this increases user frustration and creates points of friction
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system performs both locking and state reporting functions automatically. When the pin is inserted or removed, the Hall Effect sensor detects this change and the system automatically communicates the new state to the server, consolidating multiple user tasks into a single automated operation.
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 user experience and security by accurately determining the lock's state, reducing friction in the transportation process, and improving system efficiency by automating lock management.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet-equipped lock system using a pin with a magnet and a Hall Effect sensor to accurately detect the lock's state
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed computer-implemented method may include a magnetic insertable lock component with a magnet-sensing lock housing. By using a magnet within a pin and a magnetic field sensor within the lock housing, the apparatus may accurately detect the state of the lock. In some embodiments, the apparatus may determine the pin is inserted fully into the lock, the pin is inserted partially into the lock, the pin is not inserted in the lock, and/or that a foreign object that is not the pin is inserted into the lock. By using a magnet within the pin to track the state of the lock, the apparatus may improve both the user experience and the security of the lock. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.