Detachable RFID Cable Lock Assembly for Reusable Locators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable locks lack real-time locating and signal sending functions, and commercially available solutions are costly and not suitable for widespread use in logistics and transportation due to high production and use costs.

Innovation Solution

The cable lock is divided into a disposable RFID component and a reusable locator, connected by a detachable structure, allowing the RFID component to be discarded and replaced, with the locator recycled for subsequent use, enabling real-time locating and signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complete cable lock with locating function is provided as a single integrated unit, then real-time locating and signal sending functions are achieved, but production and use costs become too high for widespread implementation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time locating functionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cable lock system is divided into two independent parts: a disposable RFID component (containing the cable lock body and RFID tag) and a reusable locator (containing the GPS module). This segmentation allows the expensive locating function to be separated from the consumable locking mechanism, enabling cost-effective deployment across multiple cable locks while maintaining reliable real-time locating capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If RFID components are made disposable and replaced after damage, then the cable lock can be reused with a new RFID component, but the detachable connection must ensure reliable electrical connection and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRFID component replaceabilityVSAvoiddetachable structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable lock is segmented into a disposable RFID component and a reusable locator with a detachable connection structure. This allows the RFID component to be easily replaced when damaged or depleted, while the expensive locator remains in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A T-shaped docking structure with position limit steps and electrical connectors serves as an intermediary mechanism between the RFID component and locator. This docking structure ensures precise positioning, reliable electrical connection for power and data transmission, and straightforward attachment/detachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12482337B2Method for assembling an RFID component to a locator in a cable lock

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 SHENZHEN WINS ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method for assembling an RFID component to a locator in a cable lock includes connecting a disposable RFID component to a reusable locator by a detachable structure to form a complete cable lock. The method provides beneficial effects that the locator can be recycled for use in assembling new cable locks in spite of discarding the RFID component since the disposable RFID component and the reusable locator are divided in a traditionally integrated body of the lock. Furthermore, a container locked by the lock has location function due to the locator in the lock. Based on this, the recycling and reutilization of the locator are performed to achieve the location function in low cost situation.