Tamper-Evident Cargo Seal Bolt Lock with Conductive Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bolt locks for shipping containers lack evidence of tampering, leading to disputes over liability when theft occurs during transit, as they cannot record or indicate the time and location of unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-evident cargo container seal bolt lock with a conductive medium and a battery-driven sensory circuit that detects interruptions, records the date and time of tampering, and transmits this information via an RFID reader if queried.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional bolt lock is used, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but it cannot provide evidence of tampering or record the time of theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds an electronic sensory circuit, memory device, and timing circuit within the receiving member of the bolt lock. These electronic components are nested inside the existing mechanical lock structure, allowing the lock to gain tamper-detection capabilities without requiring a complete redesign of the external lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conductive medium as an intermediary element that connects the electronic circuit to the bolt. This conductive medium serves as both a structural component of the lock and a sensor that detects when the bolt is cut or tampered with, bridging the mechanical and electronic domains.
2Measurement precision
If visual inspection of the container and lock is performed, then the inspection process is simple, but it provides no clear evidence as to when or where the theft occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a timing circuit that continuously records the date and time, standing by to capture the exact moment of tampering. This preliminary action ensures that when the bolt is cut or the container is opened, the system has already logged the precise time of the event, eliminating the need for complex post-event investigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensory circuit provides continuous feedback about the integrity of the bolt lock system. When the conductive medium is interrupted (indicating the bolt has been cut), the circuit immediately detects this change and triggers the memory device to record the tampering event, providing real-time feedback on the security status.
3Reliability
If a bolt lock is designed to be locked but not unlocked, then the security function is simple, but it cannot determine when the bolt was cut or tampered with
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt lock system is designed to monitor itself automatically. The sensory circuit continuously checks the integrity of the conductive medium and the position of the bolt without requiring external intervention. When tampering occurs, the system self-activates to record the event in memory, making the security system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external monitoring devices.
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
Provides clear evidence of when and where a shipping container was accessed, facilitating immediate identification of responsible parties and reducing legal disputes by determining the exact time and location of theft.
Implementation Method 1
a bolt member having a conductive medium running the axial length of the bolt
Implementation Method 2
A battery-driven sensory circuit including a memory means, a processor, and a timing circuit can be disposed within the receiving member
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a tamper-evident cargo container seal bolt lock are disclosed herein. The device can include a bolt member having a conductive medium running the axial length of the bolt, and a receiving member for locking the bolt into place. A battery-driven sensory circuit including a memory means, a processor, and a timing circuit can be disposed within the receiving member such that a continuous circuit is formed from one circuit pin over the conductive medium through the length of the bolt and back to a second pin. The sensory circuit is configured to sense whether the circuit has been interrupted (e.g., if the bolt has been cut). In the event of an interruption, the circuit can record the time and/or date in memory. This information can then be transmitted to an RFID reader/interrogator if a dispute arises as to when the lock had been broken.