Portable Key Dock Locking for Secure Electronic Key Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an electronic key retention system that allows easy removal and secure storage of electronic keys from vehicles, enabling secure access and communication while preventing unauthorized access and facilitating charging or updating of key configurations.
Innovation Solution
A portable dock system for electronic key retention devices that can be removably attached to a vehicle, featuring a locking mechanism, wireless communication capabilities, and a user interface for secure key storage and management, allowing users to easily connect and disconnect the key from the vehicle for charging or updating purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic key retention device is non-removably attached to the vehicle structure, then security and stability are improved, but ease of operation for removal and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two main segments: a fixed retention device attached to the vehicle structure and a removable portable dock that interfaces with electronic keys. This segmentation allows the retention device to remain securely mounted while enabling easy removal and portability of the dock component.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable dock acts as an intermediary between the fixed retention device and the electronic key. It provides a removable interface that mediates between the need for secure fixed attachment and the requirement for easy key removal and portability.
2Reliability
If the portable dock includes a locking mechanism to secure the electronic key, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the portable dock relative to the retention device. The system self-locks when docked and self-unlocks when removed, eliminating the need for manual locking operations and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual locking mechanisms with an automated system that uses the docking action itself to trigger locking and unlocking. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining security.
3Ease of operation
If the key holder moves between closed and open positions for key access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability for key protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary protective action by automatically locking the key holder in the closed position when the portable dock is secured to the retention device. This preliminary locking action ensures key protection is maintained while still allowing easy access when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A key retention device and a portable dock for the key retention device are disclosed. The key retention device includes a key holder and a base. The key holder is rotatably coupled to the base. The base includes pins that extend into a cavity of the key holder when the key holder is in a closed position and do not extend into the cavity when the key holder is in an open position. The base includes a finger that prevents users from inserting an electronic key into the key holder when the key holder is in the closed position. The key retention device can receive the portable dock and lock the key holder in the locked position when a user input is received. The user input can be provided to the key retention device to remove an electronic key from the portable dock or to remove the portable dock altogether.