WO2018225019A1

WO2018225019A1 - Electro mechanical sealing device

Info

Publication number: WO2018225019A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/054136
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karanvir Singh; Sanandan Sudhir; Nitin GURRAM; Sandeep Saxena; Ashmant AGRAWAL
Original assignee: Karanvir Singh
Priority date: 2017-06-08
Filing date: 2018-06-08
Publication date: 2018-12-13

Abstract

An electro mechanical sealing device 100 is disclosed that provides a locking and/or latching means to secure a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like. The proposed sealing device 100 is both electrically and mechanically actuated for locking and unlocking, and includes an efficient locking and/or latching mechanism that can be activated for instance, by punching an NFC card at desired sensors. The proposed sealing device 100 includes a mechanical wire lock assembly 200 that locks and unlocks a wire/rope mechanically using an L shaft 220, an electronic lock assembly 500 that consists of an electric drive 501 with sliding components that provides locking of the sealing device by electronic means, and an electronic circuit 150 that manages and controls the electronic lock assembly 500 by getting power from a power supply 160.

Description

ELECTRO MECHANICAL SEALING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[01] The present disclosure relates to the field of locking and/or latching devices.

In particular, the present disclosure pertains to an electro mechanical locking and/or latching device that can be both electrically and mechanically actuated for locking and unlocking.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[02] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[03] A conventional padlock is composed of a body, shackle, and locking mechanism. The typical shackle is a "U" shaped loop of metal that is secured by the padlock (e.g., chain link or hasp). Generally, most padlock shackles either swing away or slide out of the padlock body when in an unlocked position. Less common designs may include a straight, circular, or flexible shackle. Some shackles split apart and come together to lock and unlock.

[04] Conventionally, many devices have been used to tamper with conventional padlocks that are used to secure precious cargo or belongings. However, as padlocks are susceptible to being cut with bolt cutters, numerous other locking mechanisms or seals to indicate when a lock has been tampered with have been developed.

[05] Many locking mechanisms are developed to provide safety and security to cargo and/or belongings as they provide important features that can be used to ensure safety and security of cargo and/or belongings. However, tampering techniques that employ newer technologies compromise security of cargo and/or belongings secured by such locking mechanisms.

[06] There is therefore a need in the art of locking and/or latching devices to provide a highly secure electro mechanical locking device that can be electrically actuated for locking and unlocking, and includes an efficient locking and/or latching mechanism that can be activated for instance, by punching an NFC card at desired sensors.

[07] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a,""an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [08] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed.No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[09] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[010] It is a general object of the present disclosure to provide a sealing device that seals and secures an enclosed space by a combination of electrical and mechanicalactuation.

[011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a sealing device that includes feature to indicate when the seal has been tampered with or is not sealed properly.

[012] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an electro mechanical sealing device that can be locked or unlocked remotely.

[013] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an electro mechanical sealing device that alerts a user with an audio/visual alarm when someone tampers with the device.

SUMMARY

[014] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a sealing device to secure an enclosed space. In an aspect, the disclosed sealing device enables sealing/unsealing by a combination of mechanical locking done manually and an electrically actuated locking. In another aspect, the electrical sealing/unsealing can be done by a device having unique ID such as a NFC card, an RFID tag, or a mobile phone. Thus, the disclosed device enables remote sealing/unsealing. In yet another aspect, the proposed sealing device also incorporates a feature that provides a feedback about status of the sealing device, for example it can provide a warning to a user if the seal has been tampered with or is not sealed properly.

[015] In an aspect, the disclosed sealing device can comprise a device housing comprising a top cover and a bottom cover and a wire rope assembly. The wire rope assembly can have a fixed end and a free end, wherein the fixed end of the wire rope incorporates a L shaped shaft (therefore referred to as L shaft) with a fixed side and a free side. The fixed side of the L shaft can be rotatably held with the device housing, and the free end of the wire rope assembly can be inserted through a passage in the device housing.

[016] In an aspect, a mechanical lock provided in the sealing device mechanically lock the free end of the wire rope after it is inserted through the passage in the device housing, wherein the mechanical lock gets actuated by rotation of the L shaft about the fixed side to a mechanically locked position, to grip the free end of the wire rope inserted through the device housing.

[017] In an aspect, the mechanical lock works based on a pivotally held locking follower that is moved to grip the wire rope by a cam provided on the fixed side of the L shaft. When the L shaft is rotated to a mechanically locked position, the locking follower moves to grip the wire rope inserted within the device housing to mechanically lock the free end of the wire rope inserted through the passage in the device housing.

[018] In an aspect, the device further includes a switch located close to the locking follower such that when the locking follower moves to grip the wire rope, the switch gets actuated, and wherein actuation of the switch results in a signal being sent to the user that the device has been mechanically locked.

[019] In an aspect, the locking follower is spring biased to return back to release the grip on the wire rope when the L shaft is moved out of the mechanically locked position.

[020] In an aspect, the disclosed device also includes an electronically operated lock that in an electronically locked position, prevents the L shaft to be rotated out of the mechanically locked position. In an aspect, the electronically operated lock can be actuated by any or a combination of an NFC card at desired sensors, an RFID tag, and a mobile phone.

[021] In an aspect, the electronically operated lock comprises a metal block having a

U slot where the free side of the L shaft takes position when the L shaft is moved about the fixed side to the mechanically locked position, wherein the free side of the L shaft is locked within the U slot by a spherical end of a lock slider. The lock slider is held slidably within a recess in the metal block such that the spherical end of the lock slider projects into the U slot.The free end of the L shaft, when moving to the mechanically locked position, crosses the spherical end after pushing the spherical end inwards.

[022] In an aspect, a spring biases the lock slider such that after the free end of the L shaft has moved to the mechanically locked position passing over the spherical end, the lock slider returns to a position in which a hole in the lock slider aligns with another hole in the metal block. A lock pin is moved in linear direction by an electric drive to pass through the two concentrically aligned holes in the metal block and the lock slider to block sliding motion of the lock slider within the metal block. Thus, the spherical end of the lock slider cannot be pushed inwards, thereby locking the free end of the L shaft within the U slot in the mechanically locked position.

[023] In an aspect, the device further comprises an electronic circuit to receive signal from any or the combination of the NFC card, the RFID tag, and the mobile phone in respect of the electronic actuation, process the signal and to provide the signal to the electric drive.

[024] In an aspect, the electronic circuit includes a communication module and a transceiver to transmit, receive, and process remote activation signal and status signals of the device to the user.

[025] In an aspect, the disclosed sealing device further incorporates a feature to detect tampering of the wire rope and communicating to the user about such instances. The feature is facilitated by providing a wire rope having an inner wire and an outer wire with insulation between the two, but electrically connected to each other at the free end. The fixed end of the L shaft configured to provide electric connectivity to the inner wire with a current carrying wire. A sensor is provided in the device housing to sense a current flowing through the inner wire and the outer wire, and an electronic circuit detects discontinuation of current flowing through the inner wire and the outer wire. When the wire rope is broken in an attempt to tamper the sealing, flow of current through the inner wire and the outer wire is interrupted which is detected by the electronic circuit and the status is transmitted to the user by the wireless communication means.

[026] In an aspect, the L shaft can be of two piece construction such that the free side is detachably attached to the fixed side through a security screw, wherein when the wire rope gets damaged due to tampering or wear and tear the wire rope along with the free end of the L shaft can be replaced with a new wire rope. [027] In an aspect, the disclosed sealing device includes a chargeable battery to power the electrical devices and the circuits. In an aspect, the battery can be charged by placing the device on a charging dock.

[028] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[029] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[030] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary representation of an electro mechanical sealing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[031] FIG. 2A illustrates exemplary isometric and exploded views of mechanical wire lock assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[032] FIG. 2B illustrates exemplary details of an L shaft and its assembly with main block in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[033] FIG. 2C illustrates exemplary representation of a wire tempering circuit in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[034] FIG. 3 illustrates working of locking mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[035] FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary top and isometric views of top cover in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[036] FIG. 5A illustrates exemplary isometric view of the electronic locking assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[037] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary representation of electronic locking mechanism and its various components in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[038] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary representation of an alternate embodiment of L shaft with detachable configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. [039] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary representation showing installation of the proposed electromechanical sealing device on a container door, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[040] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary representation showing charging of the proposed electromechanical sealing device by placing on a charging dock, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[041] In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and, which show by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

[042] If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or

"might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[043] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[044] Various aspects of the embodiments described above may be used alone, in combination, or in a variety of arrangements not specifically discussed in the embodiments described in the foregoing and is therefore not limited in its application to the details and arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments.

[045] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[046] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an electromechanical sealing device that provides a locking and/or latching means to secure a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like. The proposed electromechanical sealing device can be both electrically and mechanically actuated for locking and unlocking, and includes an efficient locking and/or latching mechanism that can be activated by a device having a unique ID, for instance, by punching an NFC card at desired sensors or by mechanical movement of certain components imparted by any means.

[047] In an aspect, the proposed electro mechanical sealing device includes a mechanical wire lock assembly that locks and unlocks a wire rope (also referred to as wire or rope and all these terms used interchangeably) mechanically using an L shaft, an electronic lock assembly that consists of an electric drive with sliding components that provides locking of the sealing device by electronic means, and an electronic circuit that manages and controls the electronic lock assembly by getting power from a power supply. In an aspect, the mechanical wire lock assembly consists of a metal housing that encloses /holds various components used to lock the wire/rope and to detect if the lock is safe and in proper functioning condition.

[048] In an aspect, the proposed electro mechanical sealing device consists of a top cover and a bottom cover, wherein top cover includes a top compartment and a bottom compartment and bottom cover holds a power source and one or more magnets on its outer surface that holds the sealing device with a metal frame or wall of a container, and wherein top compartment accommodates various electromechanical locking components and bottom compartment accommodates electronic circuit and power supply system.

[049] In an aspect, a current conducting internal wire and an external wire are shorted by a metal connector at wire end position due to which current from internal wire is transferred to external wire from metal connector. As current is transferred from external wire, an electromagnetic sensor senses the current and continuously gives feedback to a controller that the sealing device is in locked condition. If a user wants to remove or tamper the wire for unlocking the sealing device, the user has to break the wire or remove the wire from the metal housing, due to which current passing sequence breaks and a change in current is detected by the electromagnetic sensor.

[050] In an aspect, the proposed electro mechanical sealing device can be activated remotely by a number of activation methods including, but not limited to, using an NFC card at desired sensors, using an RFID tag, and using a mobile phone. Remote activation of the device 100 can be processed with the help of a transmitter configured with the device that can transmit signals to a receiver that is available at user end using one or more communication modules such as, but not limited to, a Bluetooth module, a GSM/GPRS module, and a Wi-Fi module. Further, whenever someone tampers with the current carrying external wire of the device, the transmitter generates an audio/visual alarm signal and transmits the signal to the receiver configured at the user's end.

[051] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary representation of an electro mechanical sealing device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The proposed electro mechanical sealing device 100 can include a device housing made up of a top cover 400 that holds and locates various components of the device and a bottom cover 120 that holds magnets 103 on its outer surface. Further, the device 100 can have a wire lock assembly 200 (also referred to as wire rope assembly and the two terms used interchangeably) whose one end (referred to as fixed end) includes a L shaft 220 and is rotatably fixed to the device housing through the L shaft 220, wherein rotation of the L shaft 220 locks and unlocks the other end (referred to as free end) of the wire rope inserted through the device housing through an opening mechanically. The device 100 further includes an electronic circuit 150 that manages and controls an electronic lock assembly 500 by getting power from a power supply 160.

[052] In an aspect, the electronic circuit 150 of the proposed electro mechanical sealing device can be activated through a power switch 180 that is accessible through a shutter 1 10 that is fixed in the top cover 400, wherein opening the shutter provides access to power switch 180. The shutter 1 lOcan be backed by one or more springs that normally keeps the shutter 110 in closed position, unless it is moved manually by a user to switch on/off the power switch 180.

[053] In an aspect, the mechanical wire lock assembly 200 consists of a metal housing 201 (refer FIGs. 2A and 2C) that encloses/holds various components involved in mechanically locking the wire and to detect proper functioning of locking mechanism. Further, the electronic lock assembly 500 consists of an electric drive 501 (refer FIG. 5 A) with forward and backward motion components that provide locking of the device 100 by electronic means, wherein the electronic lock assembly 500 is activated by punching an NFC card at desired sensors to lock the L Shaft 220 against manual movement to unlock the mechanical lock.

[054] In an aspect, electronic circuit 150 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and one or more electro mechanical sensors for sensing, actuating and controlling mechanical wire lock assembly 200 and provides feedback to a user. The electronic circuit 150 is connected with an electrical power source 160. In an aspect, magnets 103 are placed on back side of bottom cover 120 that holds the device 100 with a metal frame or wall of a container.

[055] FIG. 2A illustrates exemplary isometric and exploded views of mechanical wire lock assembly 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mechanical wire lock assembly 200 includes main metal housing 201, L shaft 220, wire locking follower 202, follower spring 203, plastic cover 204, contact pin 205, compression spring 206, insulator plate 207, hinge pin 208, spring lock pin 209 and electromagnetic sensor 210.

[056] In an aspect, the main metal housing 201 includes a hinge pin hole 201a for accommodating hinge pin 208, a spring lock pin hole 201b for accommodating spring lock pin 209, a locking wire guide hole 201c for guiding a current conducting external wire 215 (as shown clearly in FIG. 2B), a wire passing hole 20 Id for providing a space for an electric wire 223 (as shown clearly in FIG. 2C), and a blind grub screw locking hole 20 le for fitting a grub screw in main metal housing 201 to hold the plastic cover 204 in a desired location inside the metal housing 201. The current conducting external wire 215 is wound on an internal wire 221 and separated by an insulating material.

[057] In an aspect, the plastic cover 204 is a hollow cover with concave contour from one end and flat from other end in which contact pin 205 is fitted and supported by compression spring 206 that provides a force to contact pin 205 to enable positive contact of L shaft 220 with the contact pin 205. In an aspect, the plastic cover 204 accommodates metal connector 218 when it comes in contact with contact pin 205. An insulator plate 207 is attached on flat side end of the plastic cover 204 for breaking direct contact of compression spring 206 and main metal housing 201. In an aspect, plastic cover 204 with insulator plate 207 and L shaft 220 are fitted in main metal housing 201 through a circular cutout 20 If

[058] In an aspect, the wire locking follower 202 is fitted in main metal housing 201 through hinge pin 208 and oscillates about the hinge pin 208. Follower spring 203 is fitted on the hinge pin 208 such that one leg of the follower spring 203 is supported by the wire locking follower 202 and another leg is supported by spring lock pin 209 which constantly keeps follower spring 203 in compression.

[059] FIG. 2B illustrates exemplary features of the L shaft 220 and its assembly with main block 201, wherein L shaft 220 is a hollow metal cylinder which is bent at 90 degrees. At front end of the L shaft 220, an eccentric circular cam 220a is protruded. During assembly of L shaft 220 with main metal housing 201, the eccentric circular cam 220a is in contact with wire locking follower 202. Metal connector 218 is fitted in L shaft 220 from front end of the L shaft220 and after assembly, metal connector 218 is continuously in contact with contact pin 205.

[060] In an aspect, a connector insulator 219 is fitted in between L shaft 220 and metal connector 218 that breaks physical contact of L shaft 220 and metal connector 218. A current conducting internal wire 221 is fixed with metal connector 218 and passes out from hollow portion of L shaft 220.

[061] Referring now to FIG. 2C, an electric wire 223 which comes from PCB is passed through a wire passing hole 20 Id and is connected to compression spring 206, wherein compression spring 206 is continuously in contact with contact pin 205 and contact pin 205 is in contact with metal connector 218. When electric current is supplied from electric wire 223, it is transferred to current conducting internal wire 221 via compression spring 206, contact pin 205 and metal connector 218. Current conducting external wire 221 is wound on current conducting internal wire 215 and both wires are separated by an insulating layer.

[062] In an aspect, the current conducting external wire 215 comes out from rear end of the L shaft 220 and passes from metal housing 201 through locking wire guide hole201c and electromagnetic sensor210. The L shaft 220 is provided with a metal cover 216 and a crimping face to hold current carrying external wire 215 that is an external conductive jacket of the current conducting internal wire 221. In an aspect, the current carrying external wire 215 protects the current conducting internal wire 221 from external factors such as wear and tear, tampering, etc. The current conducting internal wire 22 land external wire 215 are shorted by a metal connector 222 at wire end position due to which current from internal wire 221 is transferred to external wire 215 from metal connector 218. As current is transferred to the external wire 215, electromagnetic sensor 210 senses the current in the internal wire 221 and continuously gives feedback to a controller that device 100 is in locked condition. If a someone attempts to tamper the seal or tries to unlock the device 100, he has to break the wire or remove the wire from the main metal housing 201, on which the current path shall break and output from the electromagnetic sensor 210 shall change, which shall be detected , and an appropriate alarm and/or signal can be transmitted by the sealing device 100.

[063] In an aspect, the proposed electro mechanical sealing device 100 can be activated remotely by a number of activation methods including, but not limited to, using an NFC card at desired sensors, using an RFID tag, and using a mobile phone. Remote activation of the device 100 can be processed with the help of a transmitter (not shown) configured with the device that can transmit signals to a receiver (not shown) that can be available at user's end, using one or more communication modules such as, but not limited to, a Bluetooth module, a GSM/GPRS module, and a Wi-Fi module. Further, whenever someone tampers with the current carrying external wire 215 of the device 100, the transmitter can generate an audio/visual alarm signal and transmit the signal to the receiver configured at the user's end.

[064] FIG. 3 illustrates working of the locking mechanism, wherein, as shown, when the L shaft 220 is rotated about X axis, the locking follower 202 gets pushed down by the cam profile 202a against force of the follower spring 203, causing it to move about hinge pin 208. The follower spring 203 keeps the locking follower 202 biases such that the top face 202c of the locking follower 202 remains in physical contact with a cam profile 202a on the L shaft220, and therefore it remains electrically connected to the current conducting external wire 215. Further, an apparent angular position of follower spring 203 is illustrated and it is shown that the follower spring 203 can deflect to an angle "a" degrees from the horizontal.

[065] In an aspect, electronic switch 140 is fixed in the top compartment 402(shown in FIG. 4) of the top cover 400 such that rotation of the locking follower 202 about its hinge, when the L shaft 220 is rotated about X axis, presses the electronic switch 140 to send feedback in respect of physical engagement of of the L shaft 220 with the metal housing 210.

[066] Locking groove 202b provided at backside of the locking follower 202 for the locking follower 202 to grip the wire inserted through the and locking wire guide hole 201c when the locking follower 202 rotates due to rotation of the L shaft 220. The locking groove 202b is configured such that a firm grip over the wire is ensured even when there is some wear and tear in current conducting external wire215. When the L shaft 220 is rotated back, the follower spring 203 pushes the locking follower 202 in upward position as shown by angle 'a' (i.e., the locking follower 202 remains in contact with the cam profile 220a of L shaft 220), which releases the grip of the locking follower 202 over the inserted wire to enable pulling out of the wire from the locking wire guide hole 201c. Spring lock pin 209 keeps follower spring 203 in compressed position in order to maintain the biasing force on the locking follower 202.

[067] FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary top and isometric views of top cover400, wherein top cover 400 includes a top compartment 402 and a bottom compartment 403, wherein top compartment 402 accommodates various electromechanical locking components and bottom compartment 403accommodates electronic circuit and power supply system.

[068] In an aspect, at left bottom corner of the top compartment 402,a rib structure with center hole is provided that is denoted as an on/off switch holder 414 for fixing on/off switch 180. The on/off switch 180 is accessible from outside through an on/off switch opening 415in the top cover 400. An electronic switch holder 401 is provided in a center portion of the top compartment 402 for fixing the electronic switch 140. A first location 409, a second location 410 anda third location 411 are defined in the top compartment 402 to locate an electric drive501, the metal block 503 and the metal housing 201 respectively. Internal wire guide 170 is a separate part assembled in the top cover 400 to guide the current conducting external wire 215 out of the sealing device 100 when inserted for locking through the wire hole 408 and locking wire guide hole 201c (in the metal housing 201).

[069] In an aspect, in top right portion of the bottom compartment 403, three protruding bosses 404 are provided that hold and guide one or more lights, which can indicate status of the electronic system of the device 100. A PCB access cover 406 is fitted on the top cover 400 from bottom for quick access to PCB and device operational switch (not shown) fitted within the bottom compartment 403. A pogo pin holder 405is provided to hold pogo pins that are used to establish an electrical connection between various terminals of the PCB.

[070] FIG. 5A illustrates isometric and other views of the electronic lock assembly

500 wherein a lock pin 504 that is driven by an electric drive 501 gets inside concentric holes provided by lock slider 505 and lock pin holes 510 from bottom side. U slot 509 provides a strong support to L shaft 220 that assists its locking in closed condition. Sectional views of the electronic lock assembly 500 is shown sectioned along section B-B to depict a clear representation of position and configuration of lock pin 504, lock slider and metal block 503.

[071] Referring now to FIG. 5B, electric drive 501 provides linear motion to the linear actuator 502, which holds a lock pin 504. On the linear actuator 502 being driven by the electric drive 501, the lock pin 504 gets inserted in concentric openings in metal block 503 and lock slider 505, thereby restricting any relative movement between the metal block 503 and the lock slider 505. The lock slider 505 is slidably arranged within the metal block 503 backed by a lock slider spring 507 supported on a back support plate 506, such that the holes in the metal block 503 and the lock slider 505 normally remain concentric. The lock slider 505 incorporates a plunger portion with spherical end 508 that projects into the U slot 509 of metal block 503. When the L shaft 220 is rotated to enter the U slot 509, the plunger gets pushed by compression of the lock slider spring 507, but returns back to original position after the L shaft 220 has crossed, to bring the holes in the metal block 503 and the lock slider 505 to concentric position. In this position, when the electric drive 501 is actuated, the lock pin 504 gets inserted in concentric openings/holes in metal block 503 and lock slider 505 preventing the plunger 508 to move back thereby locking the L shaft in position.

[072] In an aspect, the electric drive 501 can be a linear actuator rigidly supported by a holder 51 lso that it is rigidly held while providing motion to the lock pin 504.

[073] FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary isometric and exploded views of an alternate embodiment of the L shaft with detachable configuration, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The L shaft in the detachable configuration can be made in the two parts that can be held together detachably. In an aspect, the detachable configuration resolves the problem of interchanging or replacing the wire rope when it gets damaged due to either tempering by unauthorised person, or due to natural wear and tear. The detachable L shaft 600 can comprise a horizontal shaft 601 and a vertical shaft 602, that are fix together by a security screw 603The horizontal shaft 601 can be of hollow cylindrical construction having an internal pocket for accommodating the hollow connector insulator 219, and to allow the internal wire 221 to pass through. Metal connector 218 is fix to the connector insulator 219. The connector insulator 219 prevents short circuit between the horizontal shaft 601 and the metal connector 218 when a current flows through the assembly. On back side of the horizontal shaft 601 an insulator 02 610 is provided for accommodating a male brass pin 608, which transfers the current to the vertical shaft 602 without short circuit.

[074] The vertical shaft 602 is also of hollow construction having a cylindrical pocket on the front end for accommodating an insulator 01 606. A brass cover 607 is fixed in the insulator 01 606,and is connected with a connecting wire 604. During assembly, the horizontal shaft 601 and the vertical shaft 602 are fixed together by a security screw 603 (shown in FIG 8). After assembly, the male brass pin 608 is in contact with the brass cover 607 for transferring the electric current from the internal wire 221 to the conducting wire 604. A part of the vertical shaft is covered by a plastic / rubber outer cover 605. In assembly rubber gasket 609 is provided for preventing ingress of water. [075] In one aspect, with the detachable construction of the L shaft 600, if the wire rope gets damaged due to tampering or wear and tear, user need to only change the vertical shaft assembly 602 by unscrewing the security screw603.

[076] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary representation showing installation of the proposed electromechanical sealing device on a container door, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. After the wire rope has been inserted through holes in latches 701-1 and 701-2 and corresponding lugs 702-1 and 702-2 respectively of door of the container, free end of the wire rope 215 can be inserted through the sealing device 100 and sealed electromechanically. The sealing device 100 can be held against the door of the container through magnetic pull of the magnets 103 provided on the bottom cover 120 of the device 100.

[077] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary representation showing charging of the proposed electromechanical sealing device 100 by placing it on a charging dock, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The proposed sealing device lOOincorporates the in-build power storage / battery and electricity conducting points exposed on bottom side of the sealing device 100 for getting input power from a charging dock, such as charging dock 801. The charging dock 801 can be an assembly of plastic body having a cavity for stable placement of the sealing device 100 in the charging dock 801. The charging dock 801 can have a pogo pins in the cavity for transferring electric current from the dock 801 to the internal power storage / battery of the sealing device 100 through the electricity conducting points when sealing device 100 is placed on the dock 801.

[078] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[079] The present disclosure provides a sealing device that seals and secures an enclosed space by a combination of electrical and mechanical actuation.

[080] The present disclosure provides a sealing device that includes feature to indicate when the seal has been tampered with or is not sealed properly.

[081] The present disclosure provides an electro mechanical sealing device that can be locked or unlocked remotely. [082] The present disclosure provides an electro mechanical sealing device that alerts a user with an audio/visual alarm when someone tampers with the device.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A sealing device for securing entry to an enclosed space, the device comprising:

A device housing comprising a top cover and a bottom cover; a wire rope assembly having a fixed end and a free end, wherein the fixed end of the wire rope incorporates a L shaft, the L shaft having a L shape with a fixed side and a free side, wherein the fixed side is rotatably held with the device housing, and the free end of the wire rope assembly is adapted for insertion through a passage in the device housing;

a mechanical lock adapted to mechanically lock the free end of the wire rope inserted through the passage in the device housing when the L shaft is rotated about the fixed side to a mechanically locked position; and

an electronically operated lock that in an electronically locked position, prevents the L shaft to be rotated out of the mechanically locked position;

wherein the device further includes wireless communication means to enable remote actuation of the electronically operated lock.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotatably fixed side of the L shaft incorporates a cam which engages with a pivotally held locking follower such that when the L shaft is rotated to the mechanically locked position, the locking follower moves to grip the wire rope inserted within the device housing to mechanically lock the free end of the wire rope inserted through the passage in the device housing.

3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the device further includes a switch located close to the locking follower such that when the locking follower moves to grip the wire rope, the switch gets actuated, and wherein actuation of the switch results in a signal being sent to the user that the device has been mechanically locked.

4. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the locking follower is spring biased to return back to release the grip on the wire rope when the L shaft is moved out of the mechanically locked position.

5. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the electronically operated lock is adapted to be actuated by any or a combination of an NFC card at desired sensors, an RFID tag, and a mobile phone.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the electronically operated lock comprises: a metal block having a U slot where the free side of the L shaft takes position when the L shaft is moved about the fixed side to the mechanically locked position; a lock slider having a spherical end, the lock slider held slidably within a recess in the metal block such that the spherical end of the lock slider projects into the U slot, and wherein the free end of the L shaft, when moving to the mechanically locked position, crosses the spherical end after pushing the spherical end inwards; a spring to bias the lock slider such that after the free end of the L shaft has moved to the mechanically locked position passing over the spherical end, the lock slider returns to a position in which two holes, one each in in the metal block and the lock slider, remain concentric and aligned;

a lock pin adapted to move in linear direction and pass through the two concentrically aligned holes in the metal block and the lock slider to block sliding motion of the lock slider within the metal block;

an electric drive to move the lock pin in the linear direction;

wherein on the electronically actuated lock being actuated, the electric drive receives a signal to move the lock pin and block sliding motion of the lock slider so that the spherical end of the slider lock cannot be pushed inward, thereby locking the free end of the L shaft within the U slot in the mechanically locked position.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the device further comprises an electronic circuit to receive signal from any or the combination of the NFC card, the RFID tag, and the mobile phone in respect of the electronic actuation, process the signal and to provide the signal to the electric drive.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the electronic circuit includes a communication module and a transceiver to transmit, receive and process remote activation signal and status signals of the device to the user. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the L shaft is of two piece construction with the free side detachably attached to the fixed side through a security screw, and wherein when the wire rope gets damaged due to tampering or wear & tear, the wire rope along with the free end of the L shaft is replaced with a new wire rope and free side.

The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device incorporates a chargeable battery to meet electrical power requirement, and wherein the battery is recharged by placing the device on a charging dock.

A sealing device for securing entry to an enclosed space, the device comprising: a device housing comprising a top cover and a bottom cover;

a wire rope assembly comprising:

a wire rope having a fixed end and a free end, the wire rope having an inner wire and an outer wire with insulation between the two, but electrically connected to each other at the free end; and wherein the free end of the wire rope assembly is adapted for insertion through a passage in the device housing;

a L shaft configured with the fixed end of the wire rope, the L shaft having a L shape with a fixed side and a free side, wherein the fixed side is rotatably held with the device housing, and configured to provide electric connectivity to the inner wire with a current carrying wire;

a mechanical lock adapted to mechanically lock the free end of the wire rope when inserted through the passage in the device housing when the L shaft is rotated about the fixed side to a mechanically locked position;

a sensor located in the device housing to sense a current flowing through the inner wire and the outer wire;

wherein the device further includes an electronic circuit to detect discontinuation of current flowing through the inner wire and the outer wire, and wireless communication means to transmit status of the sealing device to a user; and wherein when the wire rope is broken in an attempt to tamper the sealing, flow of current through the inner wire and the outer wire is interrupted which is detected by the electronic circuit and the status is transmitted to the user. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the device further comprises an electronically operated lock that in an electronically locked position, prevents the L shaft to be rotated out of the mechanically locked position.