Spring-Biased Clamp Lock for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physical locks for portable electronic devices lack effective and non-intrusive methods to securely attach and detach devices from immovable objects, particularly for devices with thin components like kickstands, without risking damage or ease of theft.
Innovation Solution
A clamp lock system with a C-shaped body, a lock mechanism, a clamping member, and a security member that includes a flexible cable, allowing the clamping member to move between engaged and disengaged positions using a spring and actuation cam, and securing the device to an immovable object via a ferrule and flexible cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical lock is designed to securely attach portable electronic devices to immovable objects, then security against theft is improved, but the risk of damage to thin components like kickstands increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cable instead of rigid locking mechanisms to secure the portable electronic device. The flexible cable can adapt to the shape of thin components like kickstands without exerting excessive concentrated force that could cause damage, while still providing effective security attachment to immovable objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ferrule as an intermediary component between the cable and the portable electronic device. The ferrule distributes the clamping force over a larger surface area of the thin component, preventing localized stress concentration that could lead to damage, while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If a clamp lock system uses a clamping member that extends into a slot to engage the device, then security is improved, but the complexity of the lock mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex locking mechanism from the clamp lock body and replaces it with a simple keyless cam-operated system. The cam mechanism, when rotated, simply pushes the clamping member into or out of the slot, eliminating the need for complex internal locking components while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems with a cam-based actuation mechanism. The cam converts rotational motion into linear motion to move the clamping member, providing a simpler, more reliable mechanism that reduces the number of moving parts and potential failure points.
3Ease of operation
If the clamping member is biased toward the disengaged position with a spring, then ease of detachment is improved, but the force required to secure the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-biased clamping member that dynamically adjusts between engaged and disengaged positions. The spring provides a restoring force that automatically returns the clamping member to the disengaged position when the cam is rotated, enabling easy detachment without requiring excessive manual force while maintaining secure engagement when locked.
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
The clamp lock system provides secure attachment and detachment of portable electronic devices to immovable objects, preventing theft while minimizing risk of damage and ensuring ease of use, with the flexible cable and ferrule enhancing stability and security.
Implementation Method 1
a spring coupled to the body and configured to bias the clamping member toward the second position
Implementation Method 2
an actuation cam coupled to the lock cylinder for rotation with the lock cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp lock includes a body, a lock mechanism coupled to the body, and a clamping member supported by the body and operatively coupled to the lock mechanism. The clamping member and body cooperatively define a slot. The clamping member is movable relative to the body by actuating the lock mechanism from a first position, in which the clamping member is configured to engage the part of the portable electronic device, to a second position, in which the clamping member is configured to disengage the portable electronic device. The clamp lock includes a spring configured to bias the clamping member toward the second position. The slot includes an opening at an outer periphery of the body and an inner channel located inward of the opening. The opening has a first height and the inner channel has a second height that is larger than the first height.