The Tebra Lockbox
Problem Overview
The Tebra Lockbox was created with the idea of providing safety to people who do recreational activities on the beach, particularly people who surf. A lot of surfers cannot carry their car keys while they are surfing. As a direct result, a lot of surfers prefer to keep the car keys in a lock box. However, modern car keys are electronic and have features such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), which unlocks the car whenever the key is near the car. Our sponsors, a motivated team of MBA students at the Rady School of Management came up with a unique idea of creating a secure lockbox that can block the RFID signals coming out of the key while also having a reliable lock which would be hard for thieves to break into.
Review of Competitors
These lockboxes are some existing products in this market. However, none of them provide RFID blocking technology which is a differentiation for our product. In addition, locks like Master Lock do not provide enough space to have a bundle of keys as most surfers would prefer.
THE SOLUTION: lockbox by Tebra
The final design solution is a robust lockbox with attractive design features like compact and smooth geometry, an intricate combination locking mechanism, a functional, concealed hinge, easy to use adjustable cable and RFID-proof inner shell.
Inner Shell made of metal blocks RFID. Outer shell injected molded with high strength plastic
Our Final Design after multiple Iterations
It is a simple, elegant solution to the sponsor’s problem. From the intermediate state of the prototype, it was clear that two high-risk components needed to be further developed: the locking mechanism and the outer shell. This essentially split the project in three sub-parts: the locking mechanism, the adjustable wire and the outer shell and lid.
The Separation - this lockbox offers features the competition doesn't provide!
There is NO lockbox out on the market that incorporates an RFID-proof inner shell & an adjustable/removable handle, accompanied by a (push-button) locking mechanism! Check out the features below!
Image illustrating the adjustable handle feature. Steel Terminations and Braided wires for longer durability.
Macbook pro-inspired hinge mechanism for blocking RFID signals
Final Working Prototype:
Below, see demo videos testing various functionalities of the product!
This demo shows the effectiveness of a continuous RFID proofing geometry. The user gets in the car, closes the keys inside the lockbox, and attempts to turn on the car. They car screen shows "KEY NOT DETECTED," thereby confirming the prototype has achieved RFID-proofing. A thief would not be able to turn on the car even if they somehow cut the cable and gain access inside the car - the lockbox would still be locked, protecting the keys.
The process to use the lockbox is wonderful and easy. Simply, head back to your car, push the buttons of your pre-set combination, pull the release latch, and voila! The lockbox is opened & you now have access to your keys.
If the keys were not in the lockbox and within the same proximity, the car would
be open. Notice how the car is locked, and opens only when the keys are out of the box.