Collet Latch Locking Fingers for Tamper-Resistant Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockable devices, such as lockboxes, face challenges in providing secure and efficient access control mechanisms that are resistant to attacks and vandalism, particularly in ensuring that only authorized users can access the stored keys or access aids.
Innovation Solution
A locking module with movable locking fingers biased by a compression spring mechanism, controlled by an actuator that adjusts the compression force to selectively lock or unlock the device, allowing for secure coupling and decoupling of components, such as a shackle or keybox, using a cable element with a tip to restrict movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple locking fingers is used to secure components, then the security and tamper-resistance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into multiple locking fingers (at least three) that can independently engage with the cable element. This segmentation provides enhanced security through multiple engagement points while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure where all fingers are controlled by a single biasing mechanism and actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple locking fingers are combined into a single integrated locking element that is controlled by one biasing mechanism and one actuator. This merging approach provides enhanced security through multiple locking points while avoiding the complexity of having separate control systems for each finger.
2Ease of operation
If locking fingers are biased to open position for easy insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of locked position decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism pre-biases the locking fingers to the open position, creating a ready state that facilitates easy insertion. The actuator then applies a counteracting force to overcome this bias and secure the fingers in the closed locked position, ensuring both ease of operation and reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking fingers are designed to be dynamically movable between open and closed positions rather than being fixed. The biasing mechanism continuously applies force to maintain readiness for opening, while the actuator dynamically engages to secure the locked position, creating a system that adapts to operational needs.
3Reliability
If an actuator controls the compression force of biasing mechanism, then the access control security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves multiple functions: it controls the compression force of the biasing mechanism, thereby controlling the positioning of locking fingers, and also serves as part of the access control system. This multi-functionality enhances security while minimizing the addition of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to directly interact with the biasing mechanism to control the locking fingers' positioning. This self-service approach allows the actuator to perform multiple control functions without requiring additional intermediate mechanisms, enhancing security while limiting complexity growth.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, secure, and tamper-resistant access control mechanism that ensures authorized access to the lockable device, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and vandalism while maintaining simplicity in configuration.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing mechanism is coupled to the locking element and a compression force applied by the biasing mechanism to the plurality of locking fingers controls movement of the plurality of locking fingers between the open position and the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A locking module for selectively coupling a first component and a second component of a lockable device includes a locking element including a plurality of locking fingers movable between an open position and a closed position. The plurality of locking fingers being biased to said open position. A biasing mechanism is coupled to said locking element and a compression force applied by said biasing mechanism to said plurality of locking fingers controls movement of said plurality of locking fingers between said open position and said closed position. An actuator associated with said biasing mechanism is operable to control said compression force to selectively lock said locking element.