Mechanical Lock RFID Logging for Auditable State Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing physical security devices lack the capability to efficiently record and log state changes, such as lock states, for auditing and inspection purposes.

Innovation Solution

A security device incorporating a mechanical lock, RFID reader, electrical power supply, switch, non-transitory computer memory, and data-port, which records lock-state changes and RFID tag information in a history log for later retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical lock is used for physical security, then security function is provided, but capability to record and log state changes is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity functionVSAvoidstate change recording capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a mechanical lock with electronic components (RFID reader, microprocessor, memory) to create an integrated security device that both provides physical security and records state changes. The mechanical lock structure is merged with electronic logging capabilities, allowing the same device to perform both security and information recording functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The security device is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical locking, RFID tag reading, state change detection, and history log storage. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace both a simple mechanical lock and a separate logging system, eliminating the information recording deficiency while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If electronic components are added to a mechanical lock to enable logging, then state change recording capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestate change recording capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic components (RFID reader, microprocessor, memory, power supply) are segmented as separate functional modules that can be independently selected and configured. This modular approach allows the basic logging functionality to be added without requiring complete redesign of the entire lock system, thereby managing complexity through functional separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A microprocessor acts as an intermediary between the mechanical lock components and the electronic logging system. It receives signals from the lock state changes, processes the information, and stores it in memory, thereby simplifying the connection between mechanical and electronic subsystems and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If RFID reader and memory are integrated into the mechanical lock, then information recording capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation recording capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic components (RFID reader, microprocessor, memory) are pre-assembled and tested as a complete electronic logging module before being integrated with the mechanical lock. This preliminary assembly allows for standardized manufacturing of the electronic portion, simplifying the final integration process and reducing manufacturing complexity through modular pre-testing and pre-assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables secure tracking of access and usage of physical items, facilitating administrative compliance and audit through detailed history logging of lock states and RFID tag interactions.

Implementation Method 1

The radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader is configured, when supplied with electrical power, to read information from a RFID tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio-frequency identification (RFID): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250265884A1Physical security device and method to record changes in the physical security device

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a security device, a security system, and a process. The security device may include a mechanical lock, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader, an electrical power supply, a switch, a non-transitory computer memory, a data-port, and a microprocessor. The RFID reader, the electrical power supply, the switch, the non-transitory computer memory, the microprocessor, and the data-port are fixedly attached to the mechanical lock. The radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader is configured, when supplied with electrical power, to read information from a RFID tag. The switch is configured to temporarily electrically connect the RFID tag reader to the electrical power supply. The microprocessor, powered by the electrical power supply, is configured to store the information read from the RFID and a lock-state of the mechanical lock in the non-transitory computer memory as a history log. The data-port connected to the microprocessor, is configured to copy the history log.