Secure Web Box with Solenoid Latch and Emergency Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security asset boxes fail to provide controlled, adaptable, weather-resistant, and emergency-accessible storage solutions that meet multiple mounting arrangements and are affordable.

Innovation Solution

A mechanically strong security box with a personal identifier-actuated solenoid for controlled access, an emergency solenoid for emergency opening, and a web server for remote information management and monitoring, ensuring secure and adaptable storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a secure box with multiple access control features is implemented, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access control system is segmented into multiple independent components: personal identifier input device, solenoid actuator, latching system, and emergency release mechanism. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high security through modular design rather than a single complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A solenoid acts as an intermediary between the personal identifier verification and the mechanical latching system. The solenoid converts electrical signals from the identifier verification into mechanical motion to operate the latch, bridging the control system and the mechanical security mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If emergency access systems are added to the secure box, then emergency accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency accessibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The emergency release mechanism is merged with the existing latching system rather than being a completely separate mechanism. The emergency release shares the same latch bar and housing integration as the normal access system, allowing emergency access through a different actuation method (emergency solenoid vs. personal identifier) while using common mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If the box is made mechanically strong and weather-resistant, then durability and protection are improved, but ease of manufacture and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The box housing is constructed from composite materials that provide both mechanical strength and weather resistance. The housing integrates metal components for structural strength with protective coatings or composite materials that resist corrosion and environmental degradation, achieving durability without requiring overly complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Loss of information

If a web server with remote monitoring capabilities is integrated, then information management and remote control are improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation managementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The web server is designed to perform multiple functions: logging asset events, providing remote monitoring, receiving remote instructions, and managing personal identifiers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems and minimizes overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive information management capabilities.

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

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

The solution provides secure, adaptable, and weather-resistant storage with remote monitoring and emergency access, addressing the shortcomings of prior art while maintaining affordability.

Implementation Method 1

a solenoid operable in response to entry of the personal identifier to release the latching system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Implementation Method 2

an emergency solenoid actuatable by an emergency voltage to release a latching system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS8704635B2Secure web accessed box
Publication Date: 2014.04.22 KEY SYSTEMS INC
  • US8704635B2 patent drawing
  • US8704635B2 patent drawing
  • US8704635B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A web accessed security box includes a web server that can communicate with a web browser to control access and account for asset events that occur when the box is used. A personal identifier must be satisfied to open a drawer of the box. A latching system uses both an access solenoid for normal opening and closing in response to the personal identifier, and an emergency release solenoid having a separate power supply to open the box when the access solenoid is disabled. Several features make the box secure against weather and tampering.