Key Identification System Using Wireless Tags and Alert Sleeves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fumbling through a bundle of keys, especially in the dark, is time-consuming and can put individuals in dangerous or uncomfortable situations due to the inability to quickly differentiate between keys, increasing vulnerability and exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system using wireless keyhole tags with transmitters and key sleeves with receivers, including notification devices for tactile and visual alerts, allowing users to identify specific keys without inserting them into keyholes, utilizing near-field communication or Bluetooth for unique identification and customizable notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a user manually sorts through each key in a bundle to find the correct one, then the user can identify the correct key, but the time required increases significantly and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error method of inserting keys into keyholes with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The keyhole tag uses a transmitter to generate an electromagnetic field, and the key sleeve uses a receiver to detect this field, automatically identifying the correct key without physical insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification system consisting of keyhole tags and key sleeves that mediate between the user and the key-hole pairing process. This intermediary system provides visual and tactile feedback to indicate correct matching, eliminating the need for direct mechanical testing of each key.
2Ease of operation
If a user sorts through keys in the dark, then the user can find the correct key, but vulnerability to danger and exposure to unpleasant conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes through LED indicators on the key sleeve to provide immediate visual feedback about key identification. The LED can display different colors or patterns to indicate whether the current key is the correct match, allowing users to identify keys quickly without fumbling in the dark.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error method with an automated electromagnetic detection and visual feedback system, enabling users to identify the correct key instantly without prolonged exposure to adverse conditions.
3Productivity
If a keyhole tag and key sleeve system is implemented, then key identification speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal components where the keyhole tag can work with any key sleeve, and the system can identify multiple different keys using the same fundamental technology. This multi-functionality reduces the need for key-specific complex mechanisms while maintaining high identification speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the identification logic from the key itself and places it in the key sleeve, which is a reusable component. This allows the key (which remains simple) to be paired with different keyholes by simply changing the key sleeve, reducing overall system complexity.
4Loss of information
If visual and tactile feedback mechanisms are added to the key sleeve, then user recognition of the correct key is immediate, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses LED indicators that can display different colors or patterns to provide clear visual feedback about key identification status. This approach provides rich information feedback using a relatively simple and manufacturable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a vibration motor in the key sleeve to provide tactile feedback when the correct key is identified. This simple mechanical component adds clear haptic confirmation without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
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
Enables immediate recognition of the correct key for a keyhole through physical and visual alerts, reducing sorting time and enhancing user safety and convenience by preventing unnecessary exposure to darkness or weather.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless transmitter is preferably a near field communication device or a Bluetooth device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying a specific key amongst a bundle of keys requires a plurality of keyhole tags and a plurality of key sleeves. Each of the keyhole tags includes a wireless transmitter. Each of the key sleeves includes a wireless receiver and at least one notification device that is associated to a corresponding tag. The method begins by broadcasting an identification signal with the wireless transmitter for each of the plurality of keyhole tags. The method then positions the plurality of key sleeves adjacent to a desired tag from the plurality of keyhole tags. The method then receives the identification signal for the desired tag with the wireless receiver for each of the plurality of key sleeves. Finally, the method actuates the notification device of a specific sleeve from the plurality of key sleeves, if the corresponding tag for the specific sleeve is the desired tag.