Attack-resistant and weather-resistant lock

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Pin tumbler locks are susceptible to torque attacks and weather conditions, such as rain and freezing temperatures, which can render them inoperable.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a sacrificial link system that fails under a threshold torque, preventing damage to the locking mechanism, combined with drainage features to expel liquids and prevent internal damage, ensuring the lock remains functional.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a traditional pin tumbler lock is used, then the locking mechanism is simple and cost-effective, but it is susceptible to torque attacks that can dislodge the lock plug or cylinder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to torque attacksVSAvoidlock structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock is divided into distinct functional segments: a locking mechanism (plug/cylinder) and a keyway structure, connected by a sacrificial link. This segmentation allows the sacrificial link to absorb torque attack forces independently, protecting the main locking mechanism from damage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sacrificial link is introduced as an intermediary element between the keyway and the locking mechanism. This intermediate component is designed to fail under excessive torque, acting as a protective mediator that prevents direct transmission of damaging forces to the lock plug or cylinder, thereby enhancing torque attack resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the lock is exposed to external keyway access, then key operation is enabled, but liquid precipitation can enter the lock cylinder and freeze, preventing operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey access capabilityVSAvoidweather conditions (rain, freezing)

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A weather-resistant coating or membrane is applied to the external keyway structure, creating a protective barrier that allows key insertion and rotation while preventing liquid precipitation from entering the internal lock mechanism. This flexible protective layer maintains operational access while blocking harmful weather elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The vulnerable internal lock mechanism is effectively isolated from the external environment by separating the keyway access path from the locking mechanism chamber. The external keyway structure acts as a protective enclosure that extracts or removes the internal mechanism from direct exposure to weather conditions while maintaining functional access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a sacrificial link is added to prevent torque attack damage, then resistance to attacks is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattack resistanceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sacrificial link is designed as a simple, inexpensive, disposable component that can be easily replaced if failed. This approach enhances reliability by providing a dedicated failure point that protects the main locking mechanism, while the low cost and simplicity of the sacrificial link minimize the impact on overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the external keyway structure is sealed to prevent weather damage, then weather resistance is improved, but key access and operation may be hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid precipitation ingressVSAvoidkey insertion and rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The external keyway structure employs local quality variations, with selective sealing in areas prone to precipitation ingress while maintaining open or accessible regions for key operation. This localized approach to weather protection ensures that sealing is applied only where necessary to prevent liquid entry, while preserving full key access and rotational capability in the operational zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhanced resistance to tampering and weather-related damage, maintaining lock functionality during torque attacks and adverse weather conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a sacrificial link configured to fail when a threshold torque is applied at the external keyway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Implementation Method 2

a drain in fluid communication with the external keyway, the drain configured to accommodate gravity-assisted drainage of fluid from the external keyway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11761233B2Attack-resistant and weather-resistant lock

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 US POSTAL SERVICE

AI summary

A lock can include attack-resistant and/or weather-resistant features. Attack-resistant features can include a sacrificial link between a locking mechanism and an external keyway covering an exterior face of the locking mechanism. The sacrificial link can break during a torque attack on the lock such that the full force of the torque attack is not applied to the locking mechanism. Weather-resistant features can include drain openings in one or more housing components external to the locking mechanism to facilitate drainage of liquid matter from the lock before the liquid matter reaches the locking mechanism.