Remote Unlock Code System for Mechanical Storage Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-storage facilities face challenges with conventional over-lock systems, including high operational costs, manual intervention requirements, delayed access for customers, and security issues with vacant units, due to the need for on-site attendance and inefficient management of delinquent accounts.
Innovation Solution
A distributed management system that secures storage units with locks incapable of electronic communication, using a database to monitor customer accounts and transmit unlock codes via email or phone upon account changes, allowing customers to access their units without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic over-locks are used to provide automated locking/unlocking functions, then customer access is improved, but capital improvement costs and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronic components and power requirements from the over-lock system, using simple mechanical combination locks instead. The management system handles all automation remotely, eliminating the need for continuous power supply at the storage unit location while maintaining automated access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote management system as an intermediary between the customer and the physical lock. This intermediary handles the automated code generation and transmission via email or SMS, allowing mechanical locks to function with automated control without requiring power at the lock itself.
2Extent of automation
If electronic over-locks are installed behind the storage door on the interior of the space, then automated locking function is achieved, but structural modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex electronic locking mechanism from the storage unit structure and replaces it with a simple mechanical combination lock. The automation function is extracted and handled remotely through the management system, eliminating the need for interior structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive mechanical combination locks instead of expensive electronic locking systems. These basic locks can be easily installed on existing storage units without structural modifications, and the complexity is shifted to the remote management system rather than the physical lock installation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional combination over-locks are used, then cost is reduced, but security is compromised when customers recognize the unlock codes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic code generation where new unique combination codes are created and emailed to customers automatically when their account status changes from delinquent to current. This dynamic approach ensures that even if customers see old codes, they cannot use them, maintaining security while keeping the system simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically generating and emailing the unlock code to the customer's registered contact information as soon as the account becomes current. This eliminates delays and ensures the customer receives the correct code immediately, preventing security issues related to recognized or compromised codes.
4Reliability
If manual over-lock removal by facility personnel is used, then control is maintained, but time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the management system automatically monitors account status changes and transmits unlock codes without requiring facility personnel intervention. When a customer's account becomes current, the system automatically emails or SMS the unlock code, eliminating time-consuming manual processes while maintaining secure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the account management system to automatically trigger code transmission. When the account status changes from delinquent to current, this feedback signal automatically initiates the code generation and transmission process, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and intervention while maintaining reliable control.
5Ease of operation
If on-site attendance is required for over-lock removal, then immediate access can be provided, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service automated code transmission that eliminates the need for facility personnel to be physically present. The system automatically emails or SMS the unlock code to the customer's registered contact information, providing immediate access while significantly reducing operational costs associated with on-site attendance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of personnel physically visiting storage units to remove over-locks with an automated electronic communication system. The management system automatically transmits unlock codes via email or SMS, substituting the mechanical on-site process with automated digital communication that provides immediate access at lower cost.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure generally relates to a system and method for randomly generating unlock codes and identifiers for locks and creating unlock code and identifier pairs. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention is integrated with, or part of, a distributed management system that controls access to various locations, such as, for example, self-storage units, hotel rooms, apartment buildings, storage containers, short-term housing rentals, lockers, equipment rooms, vaults, hospitals, airports, government facilities, nuclear power facilities, water treatment facilities, weapon storage facilities, aircraft cockpits, and any other setting that requires restricted, selective, or monitored access that can be remotely, controlled, whereby users can receive unlock codes electronically on their mobile device.