Exterior-Mounted Cell Door Lock Housing Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional detention facility cell door locks are vulnerable to tampering and require invasive replacement methods that compromise structural integrity and extend installation time, necessitating a secure and quick installation solution.

Innovation Solution

A detention facility cell door lock housing assembly with exterior-mounted lock mechanism and pocket housings featuring stepped side walls and a guard flange to prevent tampering, preserving structural integrity and reducing installation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional frame- and door-mounted cell lock mechanisms are used, then the lock can be installed within the existing door frame, but the lock is vulnerable to tampering by inmates using flexible objects to block the lock bolt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock securityVSAvoidtampering vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is relocated from the traditional door frame plane to the exterior surface of the door, creating a new spatial dimension for lock placement. The housing extends outward from the door surface, positioning the lock bolt mechanism in a three-dimensional space that prevents inmate access while maintaining the locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

A protective housing structure serves as an intermediary between the lock mechanism and the external environment. This housing encloses the lock components, providing a physical barrier that prevents direct access to the lock bolt while allowing the lock to function normally. The housing acts as a mediator that protects the vulnerable lock mechanism from tampering attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If recessed mounting method is used to replace the lock, then the lock can be securely installed, but the method requires cutting away a large portion of the wall and frame, compromising structural integrity and extending installation time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lock housing is pre-assembled as a complete unit before installation. All components including the lock mechanism, housing, and mounting elements are prepared in advance as an integrated assembly, eliminating the need for on-site construction work such as cutting and demolishing door frames during the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lock system is divided into a self-contained housing unit that can be manufactured and tested separately, then installed as a complete module. This segmentation allows the lock to be replaced without modifying the existing door structure, separating the lock replacement task from the door construction task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If recessed mounting method is used to replace the lock, then the lock can be securely installed, but the method involves extensive preparation for demolition and clean up after installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock securityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The housing assembly serves as a disposable or easily replaceable unit that protects the lock mechanism. Rather than permanently modifying the door structure, the entire lock and housing can be replaced as a single unit if needed, simplifying future maintenance and replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the lock mechanism is mounted on the exterior surface of the door, then the lock is protected from tampering, but the housing structure must be securely attached to the door

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetampering resistanceVSAvoidattachment strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is integrated with the housing to form a unified assembly. The mounting brackets or attachment elements are combined with the housing structure itself, creating a single integrated component that provides both protection and secure attachment to the door.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing appears to be constructed from materials that combine strength and durability, likely using composite or reinforced materials that provide both structural integrity for secure attachment and resistance to tampering forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8528272B1Detention facility cell door lock and housing assembly

Publication Date: 2013.09.10 WILLO CO PROD LLC

AI summary

A detention facility cell door lock housing assembly includes a lock mechanism housing to be mounted on the exterior surface of a cell wall adjacent the cell door opening and lock pocket housing correspondingly mounted on the exterior surface of the cell door. The lock mechanism housing includes a stepped side wall having at least a portion with an exterior facing surface to act as a stop. The lock pocket housing includes an opposingly stepped side wall, such that when the door is close the respective side walls fit together and the stop is engaged to prevent further door travel.