Auxiliary Locking Device for Van Cargo Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard locks on vans are not designed to withstand frequent use, lack resistance to tampering, and fail to securely protect high-value goods from theft, as they do not provide a means to detect or signal the open or closed status of the loading compartment.

Innovation Solution

An auxiliary electromechanical safety device with high-strength steel components, an armored hinge system, and an electronic control system using a processor chip to monitor and communicate the lock's status, ensuring secure and frequent operation independent of the driver's cab, with emergency opening features and tamper-proof communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard locks are used on vans, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the reliability is insufficient for frequent operations and resistance to effraction is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock durability for frequent operationsVSAvoidlock system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into two independent parts: a standard lock for normal operations and an auxiliary locking device for enhanced security. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the standard lock maintains simplicity while the auxiliary device provides reinforced protection against effraction and frequent use wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary locking device incorporates a mobile part that can rotate between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the system to adapt between normal operation mode and enhanced security mode. This dynamic capability enables the lock to withstand frequent operations while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If standard locks are used on vans, then the device complexity is low, but the resistance to effraction is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to effractionVSAvoidlock system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary locking device merges multiple security functions into a single integrated unit: a reinforced locking mechanism with high-strength steel components, a mobile part for engagement/disengagement, and an electronic control system. This combination provides superior effraction resistance while maintaining manageable overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary locking device is constructed from high-strength steel and other reinforced materials, creating a composite structure that resists cutting, drilling, and forcing. This material selection directly addresses the effraction resistance requirement while the modular design keeps the added complexity acceptable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of information

If standard locks are used on vans, then the ease of operation is adequate, but the ability to detect and signal open/close status is missing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock status detection and signalingVSAvoidlock system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control system incorporates sensors that detect the position of the mobile part and provide feedback signals indicating whether the auxiliary lock is engaged or disengaged. This feedback mechanism eliminates information loss about lock status and enables remote monitoring without significantly increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical lock status indication is replaced with an electronic sensing and signaling system. The sensor detects the mobile part position and transmits electronic signals, substituting purely mechanical indication with an electromechanical system that provides more reliable status information while adding manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If an auxiliary locking device is added, then the resistance to effraction and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall locking system reliabilityVSAvoidlocking system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is segmented into independent functional modules: the original standard lock, the auxiliary locking device with its own mobile part and engagement mechanism, and the electronic control system. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and maintenance, reducing the impact of added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary locking device is designed to work independently of the standard lock, providing universal functionality for both normal operations and enhanced security scenarios. The electronic control system also serves multiple functions: detecting lock status, signaling status, and potentially enabling remote operation, thereby justifying the added complexity through multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2995754B1An auxiliary opening and closing device for "automotive" field
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 BLOCK SYST STEALTH
  • EP2995754B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1A
  • EP2995754B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2995754B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An auxiliary device for opening and closing the loading compartment of a motor vehicle, which can be installed on the back door of the vehicle, comprises: an anchoring plate (4) installed on the fixed side (PF) of the back door, and an anchoring plate (3) installed on the mobile side (PM) of the back door; a case (1) that protects and completes the entire device, said case (1) being hinged to the anchoring plate (3) of the mobile side (PM) of the back door; an engagement and release system constituted by a fixed plate (10) and a mobile plate (9), which is connected to a cylinder (6) rotatable with a key (2), and a thrust spring (7) set on the case (1) of the mobile side (PM) of the back door, and by a mobile shaped hook (5), provided with spring-operated return means, which is mounted on the anchoring plate (4) of the fixed side (PF) of the back door; as well as a removable armoured hinge (8), with a system for protection against non-authorized removal, made up of an appropriately shaped and structured pin with breakable head (13) and a groove for an anti-removal safety Allen screw (14); a chip (11) fixed within the case (1) hinged on the anchoring plate (3) of the mobile side (PM) of the back door; and a feeler (12) appropriately shaped with elastic electric contacts fixed on the anchoring plate (4) of the fixed side (PF) of the back door and electrically connected to a processor (CPU) set on the fixed side (PF) of the back door or in the loading compartment.