Motorized Piston Locking Cap with Contactless Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key box devices face security vulnerabilities due to accessible plug components and risks associated with digital keys stored on mobile devices, which can be copied or stolen, and lack effective protection against unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A secure locking system featuring a cap with a compact design, incorporating a return spring, motorized piston movement, electronic recognition components, and minimal protrusion to prevent leverage-based forced opening, along with a remote authentication mechanism using a sensor and electronic component for secure digital key validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the plug is made accessible from the outside for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened as it can be forced open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the cap with motorized piston and locking elements) between the user and the plug. The cap acts as a mediator that allows operation through contactless authentication (NFC, RFID, acoustic, or magnetic signals) while preventing direct access to the plug, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.
2Ease of operation
If digital keys are stored on mobile phones for access, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened as keys can be copied or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or stored digital key systems with a contactless authentication system using multiple signal types (NFC, RFID, acoustic, magnetic). This substitution eliminates the need to store keys on mobile phones, preventing copying and theft while maintaining ease of operation through contactless verification.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cap has minimal protrusion to prevent leverage-based forced opening, then security is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to limited contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with contactless authentication mechanisms (NFC, RFID, acoustic, or magnetic signals). This allows the cap to maintain minimal protrusion for security while eliminating the need for extensive manual contact points, as authentication occurs through wireless or contactless signal transmission.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the cap is made compact with minimal protrusion, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to integrated mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (authentication, piston actuation, locking, and control) into a single integrated cap assembly. By combining these functions, the system achieves enhanced security through minimal protrusion while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the piston, locking elements, and electronic components are housed within the cap's internal cavity. This nesting allows the compact design to accommodate complex mechanisms without increasing external protrusion, resolving the contradiction between security and complexity.
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 minimizing external access points, preventing copying or theft of digital keys, and ensuring secure, tamper-proof operation through electronic validation and remote authentication, thus protecting storage areas from unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening assembly includes a return spring pushing the piston back towards the locked position
Implementation Method 2
a sensor and an electronic component suitable for analyzing a signal captured by the sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a closure element that is intended to co-operate with an internal cylindrical portion sharing the same axis, said element comprising a locking device that can be used to close one end of the cylinder and including at least one sensor for detecting a signal containing a signature that is delivered to an electronic recognition component, allowing the signal to the decoded and the signature to be authenticated. The locking device (40) comprises a radial securing assembly (33, 34, 35) disposed in a cavity in the body of the closure element (5), said securing assembly comprising a piston that moves in translation along a radius of the cylinder between: a first locked position in which an external end of the piston forms a protuberance at the external cylindrical surface of the body of the closure element, so as to be inserted into an internal cavity in the cylinder of the opening when the opening is closed by the closure element (5); and a second unlocked position in which the external end of the piston is located inside the cylinder of the body of the closure element.