Environmental Sensor Lock Mechanism for Secure Cargo Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management and delivery of shipping structures and their cargo are hindered by the use of locks and seals, which complicate access control and handling processes.
Innovation Solution
A lock system that obtains environmental data, such as geographical position, temperature, and motion, and controls the lock mechanism based on comparisons to pre-determined data, using wireless communication and sensors to determine when to unlock, ensuring secure and efficient access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locks and seals are used to control access to cargo, then security is improved, but handling and delivery management becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The lock device automatically controls its own locking and unlocking operations based on environmental sensor data without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the security function by comparing sensor readings (temperature, humidity, shock, location) against pre-set parameters and automatically actuating the lock mechanism, thereby eliminating the need for complex manual handling and delivery management procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The lock device incorporates environmental sensors that continuously monitor conditions and feed this data back to the control circuitry. The system compares real-time sensor data against pre-determined parameters and automatically adjusts the lock state accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that simplifies management by automating the decision-making process for lock control
2Reliability
If environmental monitoring is implemented to control lock access, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock device integrates multiple environmental sensing functions (temperature, humidity, shock detection, location tracking) into a single multi-functional unit. The control circuitry processes all sensor inputs and manages the lock mechanism through one unified system, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the lock mechanism, environmental sensors, control circuitry, and communication interfaces into an integrated lock device assembly. By merging these components into a single unified system rather than separate systems, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining enhanced security through environmental monitoring
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
This solution enables secure and efficient access control by automatically unlocking the lock when environmental conditions match predetermined criteria, facilitating streamlined handling and delivery processes while maintaining security.
Implementation Method 1
Wirelessly receiving from the remote device the environmental data may include wirelessly receiving the environmental data, via a near-field interface of the lock device, from a mobile device located within near-field communication range of the lock device.
Implementation Method 2
Obtaining the environmental data may include determining, at the lock device, at least some of the environmental data based on measurements data obtained by one or more sensors of the lock device.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices, systems, apparatus, methods, products, and other implementations, including a method that includes obtaining, by a lock system, environmental data representative of characteristics of an environment at which a lock device, configured to control access to a structure, is located, with the lock device including a lock controller in electrical communication with a lock mechanism. The method further includes controlling the lock mechanism of the lock device based on a comparison of at least one of the characteristics of the environment to corresponding pre-determined data associated with the lock device.