Patterned Locking Key with Laser-Ablated Conductive Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current key technologies, including smart keys and wireless keys, face security vulnerabilities due to the risk of key duplication and limitations in manufacturing unique hard keys, especially when immobilizer functions are compromised, and the need for replacing key boxes when a key is lost.
Innovation Solution
A patterned locking key and key box system utilizing Laser Direction Structure (LDS) technology, with conductive patterns on metal bases and resin components, including Polycarbonate, Polyamide, and metal oxides, to enhance security through unique frequency patterns and capacitance signals for authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hard key is manufactured by using a cutting process to have a unique feature, then the key can be used for locking, but there is a risk of manufacturing a second, and identical, hard key
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing method from mechanical cutting to laser processing, which fundamentally alters how the key pattern is created. The laser processing method creates unique patterns through material removal based on digital data, making duplication extremely difficult while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting process with a laser-based processing system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical key cutting tools and enables creation of unique, non-duplicable key patterns through laser ablation of the metal plate according to stored digital key data
2Reliability
If an immobilizer function is added to the hard key, then vehicle security is enhanced, but when the user loses the immobilizer key, a key box is required to be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the key box universal by enabling it to store multiple different key patterns. The key box can now accommodate both the original immobilizer key and additional backup keys with different laser-patterned openings, eliminating the need to replace the key box when keys are lost or duplicated
3Reliability
If a pattern is formed on the key to prevent duplication, then key security is improved, but the physical size limits the ability to make a detailed key pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key structure from a traditional solid key to a metal plate with laser-formed openings. This parameter change allows complex, detailed patterns to be created within the key's physical dimensions, as the laser can create intricate opening patterns that are impossible with conventional key cutting methods
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
The system significantly enhances security by allowing infinite pattern combinations, preventing key duplication, and enabling secure registration of new keys without replacing the key box module, thus improving durability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first pattern groove formed by laser processing in the first base
Data Source
AI summary
A locking key for changing a locked state by being inserted into a key box includes a first base including a metal complex and in which a first pattern groove is formed, and a first pattern provided in the first pattern groove and including a conductive material.