Transport Vehicle Locking System with Secondary Power Line

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security measures for valuable and sensitive equipment in public transport vehicles, such as mechanical and electronic locks, are inadequate as they pose key management challenges, are expensive, and do not effectively prevent unauthorized access, especially in non-electrically powered vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system with a secondary line that powers locking devices only when authorized, ensuring they remain locked without power, combined with a control system that requires electrical power to unlock, and a monitoring system for alerting authorized personnel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If mechanical keys are used for locking devices, then the locking mechanism is simple and inexpensive, but key management becomes complex and security is compromised when keys are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanism simplicityVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key system with an electrical locking mechanism. The locking device includes an electrical lock that can be operated remotely through a control system, eliminating the need for physical keys. This substitution of mechanical system with electrical system resolves the contradiction by maintaining simplicity while improving security and key management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the user and the locking device. The control system receives commands (e.g., via mobile device) and translates them into electrical signals that operate the locking mechanism. This intermediary layer eliminates direct physical key interaction while maintaining ease of use, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electronic locks are used to improve security, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the system becomes expensive and requires complex logistics for authorized personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized accessVSAvoidlogistics for authorized personnel
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control system that can operate all locking devices in the vehicle through a single interface (mobile device). The control system serves multiple functions: it authenticates users, manages multiple locks, and operates remotely. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate key management for each lock, reducing complexity while maintaining security.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital copies of access rights instead of physical keys. Authorized personnel receive digital credentials that can be transmitted and stored on mobile devices. These digital copies provide secure access without the logistical complexity of physical key distribution, copying, and tracking, resolving the contradiction between security and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If alarm systems are installed to detect unauthorized opening, then security monitoring is improved, but the system cannot prevent opening and requires additional alert procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity monitoringVSAvoidaccess control procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preventing unauthorized opening before it occurs. The electrical lock actively blocks the door from being opened without proper authentication. This proactive prevention eliminates the need for reactive alarm systems and subsequent alert procedures, resolving the contradiction between monitoring capability and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical alarm system with an electrical locking system that provides both prevention and monitoring. The electrical lock integrates authentication and locking functions, eliminating the need for separate alarm mechanisms. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing security monitoring while simplifying the access control procedure through electronic integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If standard keys are used for access, then the locking device is simple to operate, but security is insufficient against theft and vandalism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking device operationVSAvoidtheft and vandalism risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical key operation with electrical control operated through a mobile device interface. The electrical lock provides enhanced security against theft and vandalism while maintaining ease of operation through remote access. The system can be operated without physical contact with the locking mechanism, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and security against harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4339053B1Arrangement for a transport vehicle and associated locking/unlocking method
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 ALSTOM HOLDINGS SA
  • EP4339053B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4339053B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to an arrangement (10) for a transport vehicle (8) comprising a plurality of locking devices, each locking device being mounted on a movable door (39) between an open and a closed position, each locking device being switchable by means of an actuating tool between an unlocked state, allowing the door (39) to open, and a locked state, preventing the door (39) from opening. The arrangement (10) further comprises: - a power supply system including a secondary power supply line for each locking device, and - a control system for switching the secondary line between a power supply configuration and a locking configuration. Each locking device is configured to be locked in the locked state when power is not supplied.