Vehicle Roller Shutter with Conductive Mesh for Automated Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security solutions for delivery vehicles, such as traditional locks and padlocks, are inconvenient and unreliable for securing cargo during frequent stops, and do not effectively detect break-ins.

Innovation Solution

A roller shutter system with a mesh of conductors attached to a protective barrier, equipped with a processor and memory that detects physical breaks, signals break-ins, and automatically opens and closes based on user presence or exit, using accelerometers for user detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional locks or padlocks are used for securing delivery vehicles, then the vehicle can be secured, but it is very inconvenient for drivers to secure the vehicle each time a delivery takes place and the detection of break-in is not reliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of securing vehicleVSAvoidbreak-in detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The roller shutter system automatically opens and closes based on detected user presence or exit, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The system serves itself by using sensors to detect when the driver is present or has exited, automatically securing the cargo area without requiring driver intervention each time a delivery occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical locks and padlocks with an automated roller shutter system controlled by electronic sensors and a processor. The mechanical locking system is substituted with an automated barrier system that responds to electronic detection signals, providing both convenience and reliable break-in detection through the mesh sensor network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the roller shutter is manually operated for each delivery, then the driver has control, but the process is time-consuming and reduces delivery efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidtime spent securing vehicle
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The roller shutter is positioned and ready to close in advance before the driver exits the vehicle. The system detects driver exit and automatically initiates the closing sequence, ensuring the cargo area is secured before the driver even leaves the vehicle, thereby eliminating post-exit securing actions and maximizing delivery efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages the roller shutter operation without requiring driver time or attention. By using presence detection and exit detection mechanisms, the system handles the securing operation autonomously, freeing the driver to focus entirely on deliveries and reducing overall time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the mesh of conductors is used for break-in detection, then reliable detection is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreak-in detection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh of conductors serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural framework for the roller shutter, provides break-in detection through its conductive properties, and can trigger alarm signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system detects break-ins by monitoring changes in electrical parameters of the mesh conductors. When the mesh is intact, it maintains a specific electrical resistance; when broken, the resistance changes. The processor monitors these parameter changes to detect break-ins, providing reliable detection through simple electrical measurements rather than complex sensing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3701506B1Roller shutter for securing a physical space within a vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 ASSA ABLOY AB
  • EP3701506B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3701506B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3701506B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

It is provided a roller shutter for securing a physical space within a vehicle. The roller shutter comprises: a protective barrier configured to be in a rolled up, open, state, and in a rolled down, protective state; a mesh of conductors being attached to the protective barrier; a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the roller shutter to: detect a physical break in the mesh of conductors; when a break in the mesh of conductors is connected, signal that a break-in is detected, determine a valid open request; open the roller shutter when the valid open request is determined; determine when a user has exited the vehicle; and close the roller shutter when the user exit has been determined.