Articulated Lock Dual Position Alarm Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated locks lack a convenient and secure method to activate an alarm device, which is essential for enhancing security against manipulation attempts, particularly during the locking process without inadvertently triggering alarms during transport or routine use.
Innovation Solution
The articulated lock incorporates a dual locking position mechanism where the locking bar can be set in a first position for secure locking without activating the alarm and a second position that automatically arms the alarm device, allowing users to select when the alarm is activated, along with a detection system to ensure accurate triggering of the alarm signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the alarm device is made sensitive to vibration for detecting manipulation attempts, then the detection capability is improved, but the alarm is frequently triggered during transport causing false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones through the two locking positions. The first locking position provides a transport state with alarm disabled, while the second locking position provides a security state with alarm enabled. This spatial differentiation of functional properties allows the same device to have different characteristics in different states, resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and false alarm rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the alarm device's activation state changeable based on the locking bar position. The system transitions between two dynamic states: transport mode (alarm inactive) and security mode (alarm active). This dynamic adaptability allows the alarm to be sensitive to vibrations only when appropriate, eliminating false alarms during transport while maintaining detection capability when secured.
2Reliability
If the alarm device is automatically activated upon locking, then security against manipulation is improved, but the alarm cannot be conveniently deactivated during routine use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking function into two distinct positions: the first locking position for routine securement without alarm activation, and the second locking position for enhanced security with alarm activation. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate level of security for different situations, maintaining both high security capability and operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical locking, enables alarm activation through position detection, and allows user control of security level. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same component responsible for both security enhancement and ease of operation through selective positioning.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism uses forced guidance of the bolt, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alarm activation mechanism with the existing locking bar movement. The same locking bar that provides forced guidance for secure locking also serves as the actuator for alarm activation through position-sensitive switches. This merging eliminates the need for separate alarm activation mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining locking reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hinged lock comprises a lock body with a locking mechanism and a hinged bar shackle comprising several pivotally connected hinged bars and a locking bar. A first end of the hinged bar shackle is permanently attached to the lock body. The locking bar forms a free second end of the hinged bar shackle, and the locking bar can be locked to the lock body by means of the locking mechanism. The lock body further comprises an alarm device for emitting an alarm signal. The locking bar can be selectively locked to the lock body in either a first locked position or a second locked position, wherein the alarm device cannot be activated when the locking bar is in the first locked position, and wherein the alarm device can be activated or is activated when the locking bar is in the second locked position.