Optical Keyway Locking for Pick-Resistant Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pin tumbler locks can be compromised through picking or bumping techniques, allowing unauthorized access, and re-keying to prevent unauthorized key use is inconvenient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A lock system incorporating an electromagnetic radiation sensor to detect key characteristics, allowing authorized access by comparing sensed key data with stored data, and enabling wireless communication for key reconfiguration without physical adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pin tumbler locks use traditional mechanical key pins and driver pins, then the lock structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lock can be compromised through picking or bumping techniques allowing unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key pin and driver pin system with an optical detection system using electromagnetic radiation sensors. Instead of relying on mechanical key pins that can be picked or bumped, the system uses sensors to detect key characteristics and electronically controls the locking member, substituting mechanical verification with optical/electronic verification to prevent unauthorized access while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the key's physical characteristics by detecting electromagnetic radiation reflected from or transmitted through the key. This optical copy is then analyzed to verify key authenticity, replacing the need for physical mechanical interaction with key pins while maintaining security verification capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lock uses traditional mechanical key pins requiring physical re-keying, then the manufacturing and installation is straightforward, but re-keying to prevent unauthorized key use is inconvenient and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic key management system where the authorized key characteristics can be updated and reconfigured through wireless communication. The system transitions from static mechanical key pins that require physical replacement to a dynamic electronic system that can remotely update authorized key data, allowing flexible adaptation to security requirements without labor-intensive re-keying
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal key management system that can handle multiple key configurations and updates through a single electronic platform. The lock system can store and verify multiple authorized key characteristics and can be reconfigured remotely to add or remove authorized keys, providing multi-functional key management capabilities that replace the single-function mechanical re-keying process
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 preventing unauthorized access through key detection and allows for secure reconfiguration of keys without disassembly, improving convenience and security.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor configured to directly sense at least one characteristic of an object in the keyway. The at least one electromagnetic radiation sensor includes at least one source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at an object in the keyway and at least one detector configured to detect at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted at the object in the keyway
Data Source
AI summary
A lock for securing a door is provided, the lock includes a housing configured to be mounted on a door, a locking member movable between locked and unlocked positions, a core with a keyway and configured to turn relative to the housing to cause the locking member to move between the locked and unlocked positions, at least one optical source configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation signal at an object in the keyway, at least one optical detector configured to detect at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation signal, a memory configured to store at least one authorized key characteristic, a motor configured to control movement of the locking member between locked and unlocked positions, and a processor that determines at least one sensed characteristic of the object in the keyway based at least in part on the electromagnetic radiation signal.