Wireless Key Device for Controllable Locks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic key systems fail to fully leverage modern wireless technology, leading to inefficiencies in controlling lockable devices, as they require multiple keys or key cards and lack flexible access management.

Innovation Solution

A key device that wirelessly communicates with a server apparatus to identify and control lockable devices within a mapped physical space, using location services, biometric authentication, and user input to toggle lock states, enabling single-device control over multiple locks with customizable access rights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional electronic key systems are used, then access control functionality is provided, but multiple separate keys or key cards are required and wireless technology capabilities are not fully utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoidnumber of keys or key cards

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The key device is designed as a universal electronic key that can control multiple different lockable devices across various locations (home, office, garage, etc.). Instead of requiring separate physical keys or key cards for each lock, a single key device with wireless communication capabilities can authenticate and control any registered lockable device, thereby reducing the number of access control devices needed while maintaining full access control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical key systems with wireless electronic communication. The key device uses wireless transceivers to communicate with lockable devices, eliminating the need for physical key insertion and mechanical locking mechanisms. This substitution enables full access control functionality while reducing the complexity of carrying and managing multiple physical keys or key cards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional key card systems are used, then access to multiple locations is enabled, but the system lacks flexibility in access management and requires centralized server infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to multiple locationsVSAvoidaccess management flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The key device incorporates dynamic access management capabilities where access rights can be programmatically updated and modified. The system allows for dynamic control of access permissions, enabling administrators to grant, revoke, or modify access rights to different locations and devices without redistributing physical keys or reprogramming key cards. This dynamic approach enhances operational ease while maintaining multi-location access capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a server apparatus as an intermediary that manages the key device database and authentication processes. This intermediary enables flexible access management by centralizing the control of access rights while allowing the key device to operate independently. The server mediates between the key device and multiple lockable devices, enabling easy updates to access permissions across all locations without requiring changes to the physical key device or individual locks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a single key device controls multiple locks, then convenience is improved, but the system requires sophisticated authentication and location verification mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of single-device controlVSAvoidauthentication and location verification mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication and location verification before granting access. The key device and lockable device exchange authentication credentials and verify location data before the locking mechanism is actuated. This preliminary verification ensures security while maintaining ease of operation, as the complex authentication processes occur automatically in the background before the user simply needs to approach the lock

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the key device receives confirmation from the lockable device regarding authentication status and location verification. The lockable device provides feedback signals indicating whether the key device is authorized and properly positioned, enabling the system to automatically adjust access decisions. This feedback loop simplifies the user experience while maintaining sophisticated security verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10176655B2Controlling lockable devices using electronic key

Publication Date: 2019.01.08 REAVIRE INC

AI summary

A technique for controlling lockable devices includes a key device wirelessly transmitting a first request to a server apparatus. The server apparatus receives the first request and proceeds to identify a controllable lock whose location the server apparatus has measured to be within a physical space mapped by the server apparatus, causing the identified controllable lock to emit a human-detectable indication. In response to an action by a user, the key device wirelessly transmits a second request that directs the server apparatus to toggle a lock state of the identified controllable lock, such as to lock the controllable lock or to unlock it.