Multi-Secured RFID Seal with Segmented Connection Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passive electronic seals for transportation containers lack sufficient security due to easy duplication and lack of electronic evidence, relying on a single connection between the RFID chip and antenna, which can be compromised, leading to inadequate protection against theft and tampering.
Innovation Solution
A multi-secured RFID electronic seal with adjustable electrical connecting points between a male bolt and female pedestal, incorporating a RFID system with a transmission conductor and antenna, and a protection circuit that disconnects when the seal is tampered with, ensuring secure and unique signal transmission paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single connection between RFID chip and antenna is used in passive electronic seal, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but security is insufficient and easy to be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single connection path into multiple segmented connection paths between the RFID chip and antenna. Each path includes separate conductive elements and contact points that must all be compromised for the seal to be defeated, thereby enhancing security without requiring a complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds multiple layers of connection paths within the seal structure, where conductive elements are nested within the bolt and pedestal components. This nested arrangement creates multiple interconnected pathways that are difficult to compromise simultaneously, improving security while maintaining a compact structure.
2Reliability
If conventional mechanical locks with printed serial numbers are used, then manufacturing cost is low and ease of operation is high, but security is insufficient and easy to be duplicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical locking system with an electronic RFID-based system. The mechanical lock is substituted by an electronic seal that uses RFID communication between the chip and antenna to provide security, eliminating the need for physical key manipulation and printed serial number verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RFID technology to create an electronic copy/representation of the seal's security state, which can be remotely verified by RFID readers. This electronic copy replaces the need for physical inspection of mechanical components and printed serial numbers, providing more reliable security verification.
3Reliability
If passive electronic seal with single connection path is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but security against theft and tampering is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conductive material into multiple separate elements distributed along different connection paths. Instead of using one continuous conductor, multiple smaller conductive elements are positioned at different locations, requiring multiple points of compromise to defeat the seal, thereby enhancing security with minimal additional material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the connection paths by distributing conductive elements in three-dimensional space within the seal structure. Multiple paths are arranged in different spatial configurations, creating a more complex attack surface that requires compromising multiple spatially distributed elements rather than a single linear path.
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 and ensuring unique connections, reducing the risk of false seals and theft, thereby improving the reliability of container transportation and logistics.
Implementation Method 1
the operating principle is to receive the electromagnetic power transmitted from external RFID readers, stimulate the RFID chip inside the passive electronic lock, and then use the received electromagnetic power to transmit identification data of RFID chip backwards as a responded electromagnetic signal
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-secured RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) electronic seal includes a bolt, a bolt pedestal and a RFID system. The bolt has a male bolt portion with an electrical connecting point. The bolt pedestal has a female pedestal portion with several nodes to electrically connect with the electrical connecting point to provide plural selections of connecting and disconnecting. The RFID system includes a RFID chip and a transmission conductor embedded in the bolt, and an antenna installed on the bolt pedestal. When the bolt and the bolt pedestal is securely locked together, whether the RFID chip is electrically connects to the antenna depends on if the electrical connecting point connects a preset node, so that a RFID signal may be selectively transmitted by the RFID chip through the antenna.