Wireless Container Lock with Inductive Power and Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The vulnerability of international shipping containers to theft and potential misuse by terrorists due to lack of robust security measures, particularly in preventing unauthorized access and tracking during transport.
Innovation Solution
A wireless locking mechanism for shipping containers that includes a latching mechanism with a lock circuit, a wireless module, and a battery, allowing for secure locking and unlocking via wireless commands, along with integrated sensors for monitoring contents and environmental conditions, and a communication system for tracking and tamper detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional passive locking mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but security reliability deteriorates due to inability to detect tampering or hazardous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple security functions (locking mechanism, sensor modules for tampering detection, hazardous material detection, wireless communication, and inductive power supply) into an integrated active security system. This merging of previously separate functions into a unified system resolves the contradiction by achieving high security reliability through functional integration while managing complexity through systematic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism serves multiple functions: physical locking, tampering detection via sensors, hazardous material detection, wireless communication with operations centers, and inductive power reception. This multi-functionality approach allows a single device to provide comprehensive security (improving reliability) while the integrated design manages the inherent complexity through universal functionality.
2Loss of information
If wireless communication modules are added for real-time monitoring, then information availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inductive power supply system as an intermediary energy source that wirelessly transfers power from external sources to the lock mechanism. This intermediary power supply enables continuous operation of energy-consuming components (wireless communication modules, sensors) without requiring large onboard batteries, thus maintaining information availability while managing energy consumption through external power transfer.
3Reliability
If robust latching mechanisms are implemented to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based unlocking systems with electronic control mechanisms that can be actuated through wireless commands or electronic authentication. This substitution maintains robust physical latching for security while enabling easier operation through electronic interfaces, eliminating the need for physical key manipulation and allowing remote or contactless unlocking.
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
Enhances the security of shipping containers by preventing unauthorized access, monitoring contents, and enabling real-time tracking, thereby reducing the risk of theft and misuse while ensuring secure transportation.
Implementation Method 1
The lock mechanism is powered by an inductive power supply that receives wireless power signals
Data Source
AI summary
A system for operating a container lock mechanism includes a housing, at least two lock members, the two lock members including a first lock member configured to engage a first portion of a container and a second lock member configured to engage a second portion of the container to mount the container lock mechanism outside of the container and lock at least one container door in a closed position. The system further includes a latching mechanism coupled to the first and second lock members, a lock circuit at least partially enclosed within the housing. The lock circuit includes a first memory, a wireless module configured to receive a wireless signal and a lock controller coupled to the first memory, the wireless module and the latching mechanism and configured to receive commands related to operation of the lock mechanism, at least a portion of the commands being part of the wireless signal, to cause the latching mechanism to resist having the first and second lock members be disengaged from the first and second portions of the container when the first and second lock members are engaged to the first and second portions of the container, thereby locking the at least one container door in response to the received commands, and a battery coupled to the lock circuit and configured to provide electrical power to at least a portion of the lock circuit.