EP3598405A1 - Electronic sealing method and system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an electronic seal system (100) on a structural opening. Such a system comprises, in one embodiment, a connected box (1) to be sealed on at least one structural face (20) and a remote intervention server (30). The connected unit (1) incorporates at least one sensor for displacement of the position of the unit and / or of an environment of the unit (5, 6), a geolocation system and two independent vacuum reserves, each vacuum reserve being connected to adhesion suction cups (8) of the housing (1) to the structure face (20) by pneumatic conduits, each reserve being evacuated by coupling to a vacuum pump (3) of the seal system (100). In addition, the connected box (1) comprises a transmitter (4) of alarm signals (S) in connection with the displacement detector (5,6) and the geolocation system, as well as a battery for supplying the system. of geolocation, of the signal modulation device, of the transmitter (4) and of the displacement detector (5, 6). The alarm signals (S) are transmitted to the intervention server (R) via a radio frequency network.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a method of sealing a structural opening allowing almost instantaneous detection of any attempt to violate this structure, as well as an electronic seal system capable of implementing such a method. In addition to prevention, the invention can be applied to any attempt to open a window - window or door or any other type of window - in different fields: aeronautics, automotive, rail, maritime, building, storage, etc. .

In general, the invention relates to the prevention of unauthorized penetration into a structure by an immediate triggering of an alert during handling or a breach of a seal coupled to an opening and / or within its perimeter and environment. In particular but not exclusively, the invention relates to cases where the environment of the area to be sealed cannot be modified - resulting in the impossibility of drilling or gluing to secure a detection device - and / or when this area does not not allow the use of a magnet.

STATE OF THE ART

Electronic seals have been developed to generate an alert when opening such as a door is manipulated without permission. We can cite for example the patent document US 201304400 which provides a transport vehicle door seal composed of two zones glued or magnetically fixed to the door and its environment. The seal also includes a controller and a transmitter. Periodically, the controller transmits via the transmitter the state of an electrical parameter (resistance, conductivity) of a wire or an electrical strip. A variation of the parameter corresponding to a tearing or damage to the seal induces the emission of an alarm signal via the controller and the transmitter. A recording device receives this signal, identifies the vehicle concerned via a bar code and then initiates a vehicle inspection procedure.

By the way, the patent document US 5,734,324 describes a device for alarm and closing of the sliding door or window comprising a flexible suction plate. This plate creates a partial vacuum between the door or the window and the plate. When the door or window moves beyond a given limit, a signal can be emitted. This signal is processed at a remote location. However, this device only provides an adhesion zone, which does not allow detection of relative movement between two zones, for example a frame and an opening, nor detection of displacement in the environment of the seal zone. .

Other patent documents - US 4,540,980 , US 6747558 , US 7044512 , US 2004227632 or US 2011130987 - describe electronic seals with different means of attachment to the sash surfaces: clips, tags, tabs, security bar and / or bolts, and different electrical or electromagnetic motion detection parameters.

These solutions require fixing the seal by intrusive means which modify the environment of the area to be sealed or providing a magnetic fixing. In addition, these electronic seals do not make it possible to secure the information of degradation or damage to the seal because the transmission of signals can be triggered in an erroneous or inappropriate manner (peeling of the seal by aging, taking in the wind, etc. ).

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to allow an electronic seal to be fixed without modifying the area to be sealed or using a magnetic bonding force. To do this, the invention provides for forming vacuum interfaces on the area to be sealed to fix the seal and to transmit data without interference with the fixing.

To this end, the present invention relates to a method of sealing a structural opening in which a connected seal is intended to be fixed to an area to be sealed. In this process, the seal is first affixed to the area to be sealed and then fixed to this area by at least two adhesion interfaces to said area to be sealed. A vacuum is created in each interface by connection to a vacuum source, the seal is decoupled from the vacuum source. In addition, in this method, a geolocation of the seal and an emission of alarm signals are transmitted to an alarm centralization and intervention unit via a radio frequency network when an unexpected movement in the position of the seal is detected. and / or in its environment.

• la zone à sceller peut s'étendre au choix sur l'ouvrant de structure, à cheval entre l'ouvrant de structure et un dormant entourant l'ouvrant, et sur un dormant à proximité de l'ouvrant;
• chaque interface étant couplée à une détection de pression, une émission de signaux d'alarme est également transmise à l'unité de centralisation et d'intervention lorsqu'est détectée une perte de pression non prévue d'au moins une interface inférieure à une valeur seuil de référence;
• la détection de déplacement non prévu est choisie entre une détection de un mouvement du scellé, une détection de mouvement de l'ouvrant, une détection de mouvement dans l'environnement du scellé, et une combinaison de ces détections;
• le mouvement dans l'environnement du scellé est choisi entre une détection par variation thermique, par ultrasons et par hyperfréquences;
• la détection de mouvement dans l'environnement du scellé déclenche une transmission d'images de cet environnement à l'unité de centralisation et d'intervention;
• une mise en pression atmosphérique des interfaces peut être activée pour détacher le scellé;
• la dépression est supérieure à une valeur seuil de référence donnée de sorte à garantir une adhérence suffisante dans la zone à sceller;
• un espacement constant est maintenu entre le scellé et la zone à sceller afin de protéger les interfaces d'adhérence.

According to preferred modes of implementation:

• the area to be sealed can extend as desired on the structural opening, straddling the structural opening and a frame surrounding the opening, and on a frame close to the opening;
• each interface being coupled to a pressure detection, an emission of alarm signals is also transmitted to the centralization and intervention unit when an unexpected loss of pressure is detected from at least one interface below a value reference threshold;
• the detection of unexpected movement is chosen between a detection of a movement of the seal, a detection of movement of the opening, a detection of movement in the environment of the seal, and a combination of these detections;
• the movement in the environment of the seal is chosen between detection by thermal variation, by ultrasound and by microwave;
• the detection of movement in the environment of the seal triggers a transmission of images of this environment to the centralization and intervention unit;
• atmospheric pressure at the interfaces can be activated to detach the seal;
• the depression is greater than a given reference threshold value so as to guarantee sufficient adhesion in the area to be sealed;
• constant spacing is maintained between the seal and the area to be sealed to protect the bonding interfaces.

The invention also relates to an electronic seal system capable of implementing the method defined above on a structural opening. Such a system includes a box connected to be sealed on at least one structural face and a server remote from a centralized alarm and intervention unit. The connected unit integrates at least one sensor for displacement of the position of the housing and / or displacement in an environment of the housing, a geolocation system and two independent vacuum reserves. Each vacuum reserve being connected to at least one suction-cup of adhesion of the case to the structure face by a pneumatic conduit, each reserve being put under vacuum by coupling to a vacuum pump of the sealing system. In addition, the connected unit includes a system for modulating alarm signals coupled to a transmitter in conjunction with the displacement detector and the geolocation system. The alarm signals are transmitted to the intervention server via a radio frequency network.

• chaque réserve de vide est couplée à un capteur de pression relié à l'émetteur de signaux d'alarme;
• le détecteur de déplacement est choisi entre un détecteur de mouvement du boitier, un détecteur de mouvement dans l'environnement de ce boitier, et une combinaison de détection d'un détecteur de mouvement et d'un détecteur de mouvement dans son environnement;
• le détecteur de mouvement dans son environnement est choisi entre un détecteur thermique, un détecteur ultrasonique et un détecteur hyperfréquence;
• le détecteur thermique est connecté à un appareil de prise d'images qui est activable pendant une durée prédéterminée, l'appareil de prise d'images étant choisi entre un appareil photographique, une caméra vidéo et une caméra thermique ;
• les ventouses sont alignées selon deux colonnes et sont branchées alternativement, dans chaque colonne, à l'une et l'autre des deux réserves de vide via les conduits pneumatiques, lesdites réserves étant montées sur une embase s'étendant selon un plan principal du boitier;
• chaque ventouse, de préférence à soufflet et/ou montée sur rotule, est reliée, via un tube rigide, au conduit pneumatique par une connexion montée sur l'embase;
• des entretoises sont montées perpendiculairement à l'embase du boitier pour définir un espacement entre le boitier et la face de structure;
• le boitier comportant un carter externe formant un couvercle présentant une face frontale sur laquelle sont agencés des connexions entre les réserves de vide et la pompe à vide, un bouton marche / arrêt de mise sous tension d'une batterie d'alimentation des détecteurs et de l'émetteur, et une connexion de mise à la pression atmosphérique d'au moins l'une desdites réserves, et sur le couvercle l'émetteur de signaux, le détecteur de présence, l'objectif de l'appareil de prise de vues et une poignée pouvant être intégrée dans un emboutissage de ce couvercle;
• le système de géolocalisation, le détecteur de mouvement et l'émetteur sont agencés dans un boitier électronique;
• la pompe à vide est choisie entre une pompe électrique, une pompe manuelle et une pompe pneumatique.

According to advantageous embodiments:

• each vacuum reserve is coupled to a pressure sensor connected to the alarm signal transmitter;
• the movement detector is chosen between a movement detector of the case, a movement detector in the environment of this case, and a combination of detection of a movement detector and of a movement detector in its environment;
• the motion detector in its environment is chosen between a thermal detector, an ultrasonic detector and a microwave detector;
• the thermal detector is connected to an image taking device which is activatable for a predetermined period, the image taking device being chosen from a photographic device, a video camera and a thermal camera;
• the suction cups are aligned in two columns and are connected alternately, in each column, to one of the two vacuum reserves via the pneumatic conduits, said reserves being mounted on a base extending along a main plane of the housing;
• each suction cup, preferably with bellows and / or mounted on a ball joint, is connected, via a rigid tube, to the pneumatic conduit by a connection mounted on the base;
• spacers are mounted perpendicular to the base of the housing to define a spacing between the housing and the structural face;
• the case comprising an external casing forming a cover having a front face on which are arranged connections between the vacuum reserves and the vacuum pump, an on / off button for energizing a battery supplying the detectors and the transmitter, and a connection for atmospheric pressure of at least one of said reserves, and on the cover the signal transmitter, the presence detector, the objective of the camera and a handle that can be integrated into a stamping of this cover;
• the geolocation system, the motion detector and the transmitter are arranged in an electronic box;
• the vacuum pump is chosen between an electric pump, a manual pump and a pneumatic pump.

PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

• les figures 1a à 1c, des vues en perspective frontale, supérieure et de dessous d'un exemple de scellé selon l'invention sur une porte d'avion, le scellé comportant un boitier connecté, en liaison avec un serveur d'intervention à distance, et une pompe à vide temporairement couplée au boitier ;
• la figure 2, une vue en perspective du boitier connecté des figures 1a et 1b, une fois son carter retiré, et
• la figure 3, une vue latérale de la carte électronique et des éléments du boitier électronique du boitier connecté selon les figures précédentes.

Other data, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following non-limited description, with reference to the appended figures which represent, respectively:

• the Figures 1a to 1c , front, top and bottom perspective views of an example seal according to the invention on an aircraft door, the seal comprising a connected box, in connection with a remote intervention server, and a pump vacuum temporarily coupled to the housing;
• the figure 2 , a perspective view of the connected box of Figures 1a and 1b , once its casing has been removed, and
• the figure 3 , a side view of the electronic card and of the elements of the electronic unit of the connected unit according to the preceding figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the various figures, identical reference signs refer to the same element as well as to the passage of the present text which describes it.

With reference to the views of Figures 1a to 1c , a connected box 1 according to the invention is fixed to an external face 20 of an aircraft door 2 surrounded by the fuselage of the aircraft. The connected box 1 comprises an external casing 11 forming a cover 12 provided with a front face 13. On the front face 13 appear two 1V connections for a manual vacuum pump 3 equipped with a pressure gauge 31, an on / off button 14 for energizing the connected unit 1, and an atmospheric pressure connector 15.

The connected box 1 forms with a server 30 of an intervention unit, in radio frequency connection with this box, and the vacuum pump 3 an example of an electronic seal system 100 according to the invention. The radio frequency network used can be chosen between mobile and satellite frequencies, in the high, low or medium frequency ranges of the corresponding frequency bands.

On the cover 12 are arranged a GPRS signal transmitter 4, a thermal presence detector 5, a photographic camera for taking continuous shots 6 and its lens 60, and a handle 7 advantageously integrated in a stamping 1E of this cover 12.

The housing 1 also includes six bellows suction cups 8 mounted via rigid tubes 80 perpendicular to a base 16 arranged on the side opposite the cover 12. In addition, spacers in the form of feet 17 are also mounted at the four corners of the housing 1, perpendicularly at the base 16, to define a constant spacing between the housing 1 and the external face 20 of the aircraft door 2.

The figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the housing 1 without its housing 11 of Figures 1a to 1c . In this view, the base 16 appears clearly and on this base 16 are fixed: two vacuum reserves 18a and 18b superimposed, the handle 7 being fixed on the upper reserve 18a, an electronic unit 19 and the connections 8c between each suction cup 8 and a conduit pneumatic 9. The pneumatic conduits 9 are mounted in staggered rows on the vacuum reserves 18a and 18b: for the same column C1 and C2 of three aligned connections 8c, corresponding to three suction cups 8 also aligned, each conduit 9 is alternately connected to the one then the other reserve 18a, 18b.

Similarly, if the connections 8c and the corresponding suction cups 8 are ordered in pairs, in three rows L1 to L3 perpendicular to the columns C1 or C2, the suction cups 8 of each pair are connected to different vacuum reserves, 18a or 18b.

Both of these vacuum reserves 18a, 18b are coupled to the atmospheric pressure connector 15 (cf. figure 1a ) in order to detach the suction cups 8, partially or totally, to vary the position of the housing 1 or change its assignment.

Furthermore, pressure sensors 1P are arranged on the vacuum reserves 18a, 18b and are connected to an electronic card 1K of the electronic unit 19 by electrical conductors 10c, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 which shows more precisely the 1K electronic card and its connections. Similarly, the presence detector 5 and the camera 6 (cf. figure 1b ) are connected to the electronic card 1K via other electrical conductors 10c.

In addition, the electronic unit 19 integrates the following elements, also connected to the electronic card 1K: a geolocation system 1G, a motion detector 1M and a device for modulating alarm signals 1S in the radio frequency network coupled to the transmitter 4. A battery 1B for the electrical supply of these different components is also integrated in the electronic unit 19. Alternatively, the battery 1B is arranged outside the electronic unit 19.

In operation, and with reference to the appended figures, the electronic seal system is activated during a movement of door 2 or of the connected box 1 affixed to door 2, a depression in one or other of the reserves 18a, 18b, or a mobile presence in the environment of this box 1. A door movement therefore results in a movement of the connected box 1.

The housing 1 is fixed by the suction cups 8 in adhesion to the external face 20 after vacuuming and removal of the pump 3. The vacuum is greater than a reference threshold value, 50 mbar (5,000 Pa) in the example, so as to achieve sufficient adhesion of the suction cups 8.

When a movement of door 2 or of connected box 1 is detected by the movement detector 1M, or a presence in the environment of box 1 by the thermal presence detector 5, these detectors 1M and 5 transmit alert signals to the signal modulation device 1S. The environment of the case relates to the free space around the case.

Advantageously, the thermal presence detector 5 is connected to the photographic camera 6 via the electronic card 1K in order to wake it up and trigger a taking of a few burst shots of the environment defined in the field of the objective. 60 for an adjustable time. The camera then transmits alert signals to the 1S modulation device for analysis in the form of image data.

In the case where a vacuum is detected in one of the reserves 18a, 18b by a pressure sensor 1P, the adhesion of the corresponding suction cups 8 is reduced which risks leading to a detachment of the housing 1. To avoid this risk , the pressure sensor 1P also transmits, when the pressure is below the threshold value, depression warning signals to the signal modulation device 1S.

The alert signals are converted into alarm signals in GPRS data format in the 1S modulation device integrating a modem and a SIM card. The alarm signals “S” are then transmitted via the transmitter 4 and the radio frequency network, to the receiver “R” of the server 30 of the intervention unit. The geographic origin of the alarm signals is identified in connection with the transmission of the geolocation system 1G by the network, and the server 30 notifies the operatives of the intervention unit for analysis after having decoded the signals d alarm thus geo-located.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown. It is for example possible to provide that the connected box extends only on the door, more generally on the opening, or straddling the opening and a frame surrounding the opening, an airplane fuselage in the example detailed.

Furthermore, the displacement detector can be the movement detector of the case or of the opening, a detector of infrared presence of the environment of this case, or even a combination of detection involving the movement detector and this thermal detector.

In addition, the image taking device can be a photographic device, a video camera, a thermal camera, a cellular portable or equivalent. And the vacuum pump can be an electric pump, a manual pump, a pneumatic pump or the like.

Claims (15)

Method for sealing a structural opening (2) in which a connected seal is intended to be fixed to an area to be sealed, characterized in that , in this process, the seal (1) is first affixed to the area to be sealed (20) then fixed on this zone (20) by at least two adhesion interfaces (8) to said zone to be sealed (20), a depression is created in each interface (8) by connection to a source of depression (18a, 18b; 3), and in that a geolocation of the seal (1G) and an emission of alarm signals (S) are transmitted to a centralization and intervention unit via a radio frequency network when it is detected a displacement not foreseen in the position of the seal (1) and / or in its environment. Sealing method according to claim 1, in which the area to be sealed (20) optionally extends over the structural opening (2), straddling the structural opening (2) and a frame surrounding the opening , and on a frame near the opening. Sealing method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein each interface (8) being coupled to a pressure detection (1P), an emission of alarm signals (S) is also transmitted to the control unit. centralization and intervention when an unexpected loss of pressure is detected from at least one interface (8) below a reference threshold value. Sealing method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the detection of unforeseen displacement is chosen between a detection of movement of the seal (1), a detection of movement of the opening (2), a detection of movement in the environment of the seal (1) preferably triggering a transmission of images of this environment, and a combination of these detections. Sealing method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the vacuum is greater than a given reference threshold value so as to guarantee sufficient adhesion of the seal (1) in the area to be sealed (20). Sealing method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the seal (1) incorporates an atmospheric pressure setting (15) of at least one adhesion interface (8) to the area to be sealed (20). Sealing method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a constant spacing is maintained between the seal (1) and the area to be sealed (20) in order to protect the adhesion interfaces (8). Electronic seal system (100) for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a connected box (1) to be sealed on at least one structural face (20) and a remote alarm centralization server. and intervention (30), characterized in that the connected box (1) incorporates at least one displacement (1M, 5, 6) detector of the position of the box (1) and / or of displacement in an environment of the box, a geolocation system (1G) and two independent vacuum reserves (18a, 18b), each vacuum reserve (18a, 18b) being connected to at least one suction cup (8) from the housing (1) to the face of structure (20) by a pneumatic conduit (9) and being evacuated by coupling to a vacuum pump (3) of the seal system (100), in that the connected housing (1) comprises a signal modulation device alarm (1S) coupled to a transmitter (4) in connection with the displacement detector nt (1M, 5, 6) and the geolocation system (1G), as well as a supply battery (1B) of the geolocation system (1G), the device for modulating the alarm signals (1S) and the displacement detector (1M, 5, 6), the alarm signals (S) being transmitted to the intervention server (30) via a radio frequency network. Electronic seal system according to the preceding claim, in which each vacuum reserve (18a, 18b) is coupled to a pressure sensor (1 P) connected to the device for modulating alarm signals (1S). Electronic seal system according to any one of claims 8 or 9, in which the movement detector is chosen between a movement detector of the case (1M), a movement detector (5) in the environment of this case (1 ), and a combination of detector detection movement of the case (1M) and a motion detector in its environment (5). Electronic seal system according to the preceding claim, in which the movement detector in its environment (5) is chosen from a thermal detector, an ultrasonic detector and a microwave detector. Electronic seal system according to the preceding claim, in which the movement detector in the environment of the connected box (5) is connected to an image-taking device (6) which is activatable for a predetermined period, the device for taking images (6) being chosen between a photographic camera, a video camera and a thermal camera. Electronic seal system according to any one of Claims 8 to 12, in which the suction cups (6) are aligned in two columns (C1, C2) and are connected alternately, in each column (C1, C2), to one and the other of the two vacuum reserves (18a, 18b) via the pneumatic conduits (9), said reserves (18a, 18b) being mounted on a base (16) extending along a main plane of the housing. Electronic seal system according to any one of Claims 8 to 13, in which each suction cup (8) is with bellows and / or mounted on a ball joint connected, via a rigid tube (80), to the pneumatic conduit (9) by a connection (8c) mounted on the base (16). Electronic seal system according to any one of claims 8 to 14, in which the housing (1) comprises an external casing (11) forming a cover (12) having a front face (13) on which connections (1V) are arranged ) between the vacuum reserves (18a, 18b) and the vacuum pump (3), an on / off button (14) for energizing a battery (1B) supplying the detectors (1M, 5, 6 ) and the modulation device (1S), and a connection (15) for bringing at least one of said reserves to atmospheric pressure (18a, 18b), and on the cover (12) are arranged the transmitter signals (4), the presence detector (5), the objective (60) of the camera (6) and a handle (7) which can be integrated in a stamping (1E) of this cover (12 ).

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