Smart Lock Structure with Falling-Proof Device and Seed Encryption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RFID-based security systems are vulnerable to security breaches and inconvenient for authorized users, who must carry specialized keys or cards, and existing wireless lock systems lack a conventional keyhole and functionality during power outages.

Innovation Solution

A smart lock structure that integrates Near Field Communication technology with a mobile device, featuring a falling-proof device, seed value-based encryption, and multiple operational modes, including a configuration mode, operation mode, and key mode, which allows for secure authentication and unlocking using a mobile device, even in the absence of power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If RFID technology is used for access control, then identification and access functionality is achieved, but security vulnerability to intentional breaches occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoidsecurity against breaches
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system that mediates between the RFID card and the lock mechanism. Instead of direct RFID authentication, the system uses a microprocessor to verify authentication information from the RFID card against stored data, creating a security layer that prevents direct access and mitigates RFID's inherent security vulnerabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If specialized keys or access cards are used for security, then authorized access is controlled, but user convenience deteriorates due to carrying requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorized access controlVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the mobile phone serve multiple functions: it acts as both an RFID card for authentication and a universal key for unlocking. The microprocessor in the lock can authenticate various types of RFID cards and mobile phones, making the system universally compatible and eliminating the need for users to carry separate specialized keys or cards.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless lock system without conventional keyhole is used, then modern access control is achieved, but functionality during power outage is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodern access control capabilityVSAvoidfunctionality during power outage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a conventional keyhole and mechanical key capability as a preliminary backup mechanism. Before relying solely on wireless technology, the system maintains the traditional key-based entry method, ensuring that if power fails or the wireless system malfunctions, users can still access the door using a physical key.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If mobile device authentication is implemented, then convenience is improved, but device falling during communication may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobile device authenticationVSAvoiddevice falling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cushioning structure that protrudes from the lock body to support the mobile phone during authentication. This cushioning element is positioned beforehand to catch and support the phone if it slips or falls during the authentication process, preventing damage to both the phone and the lock mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2677506B1Smart lock structure and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 CHEN GUN
  • EP2677506B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2677506B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2677506B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a smart lock structure and an operating method thereof. The smart lock structure comprises a key hole for access keys, an interrogating device for using radio frequency technology to communicate with a mobile device and accept access requests from the mobile device to unlock the smart key structure, and a lock mechanism in response to interaction between the key hole and the access keys and communication between the interrogating device and the mobile device for unlocking the smart lock structure and gaining access thereof. The smart lock structure further comprises a falling proof device equipped beside the interrogating device to prevent falling of the mobile device. An operating method is also provided for normal operation and/or configuration of the smart lock structure.