Short-Range Communication Lock Credential Forwarding

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Solution Overview

Problem

In secure access control systems, hotel guests face tediousness and security issues when required to use multiple credentials to unlock multiple doors within a master suite, as each sub-suite needs its own lock, and existing interconnected locking systems do not efficiently manage simultaneous unlocking.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing short-range communication protocols between locks, where a first lock receives a credential, determines access validity and class, and forwards it to subsequent locks only after the door is opened, ensuring coordinated unlocking across multiple doors in a suite.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple locks are interconnected to be locked and unlocked in a coordinated manner, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the access control function by assigning different credential types to different lock sequences. General access credentials unlock only the first lock, while suite access credentials unlock multiple locks in sequence. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing coordinated multi-lock control through credential-based segmentation rather than complex interlocking hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a single credential unlocks all doors simultaneously, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by unlocking locks in a predetermined sequence rather than simultaneously. The first lock unlocks immediately upon valid credential presentation, while subsequent locks unlock only after the previous lock is opened and the credential is forwarded. This preliminary action approach maintains ease of operation for authorized users while preserving security through sequential verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If each sub-suite has its own security lock, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple credential requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies universality by making suite access credentials multi-functional. A single suite access credential can unlock multiple locks in sequence (first lock, second lock, third lock) without requiring separate credentials for each door. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by maintaining individual lock security while enabling convenient access through a universal credential type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3528214B1Method for selectively opening a second lock from a first lock using short-range communications (SRC)

Publication Date: 2021.10.20 CARRIER CORP

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AI summary

A method is disclosed for selectively opening a second lock (156) of a plurality of locks from a first lock (154) of the plurality of locks using short-range communications (SRC), the method including the first lock performing steps of: receiving a first credential from a portable smart device , determining if a plurality of locks is implicated in the first credential, and when the plurality of locks is implicated by the first credential, the first lock performs steps of: unlocking, and forwarding the first credential to the second lock for determining whether to unlock.