Lockable Bracket for Conduit Theft Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lamp posts and electrically energized signs are vulnerable to theft due to easy access to underground electrical conductors through access ports, leading to significant costs for replacement and labor.
Innovation Solution
A security device that encircles lamp posts or conduits with a U-shaped bracket and lockable plate to prevent unauthorized access, using a padlock to secure the cover and prevent removal, allowing authorized personnel to access the conductors as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover is made easily removable for maintenance access, then ease of operation is improved, but security against theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The security device is divided into separate components: a U-shaped bracket that encircles the lamp post, a plate that closes the fourth side, and a lock mechanism. This segmentation allows the plate to be easily removed for maintenance while the bracket and lock remain in place to prevent theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped bracket serves as an intermediary structure between the lamp post and the plate. It provides a mounting surface for the plate and incorporates a lock mechanism, mediating between the need for easy access and the need for security.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a lockable plate is used to secure the cover, then security against theft is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped bracket performs multiple functions: it encircles the lamp post to provide structural support, serves as a mounting surface for the plate, and incorporates a lock mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate nests within the U-shaped bracket when not in use, and the lock mechanism is integrated into the bracket structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the space required and reduces the number of discrete parts, simplifying the overall device.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the bracket encircles the entire lamp post, then security coverage is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The security device is installed in segments: first the U-shaped bracket is mounted on three sides of the lamp post, then the plate is added to close the fourth side. This segmented installation approach simplifies the installation process compared to installing a complete circular enclosure at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed with flexible mounting capabilities, allowing it to be adjusted and secured at different positions around the lamp post. This dynamic installation approach enables easy adaptation to various lamp post configurations while maintaining full security coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket encircles a conduit or lamp post and includes an opening for access to a cover attached to the conduit or lamp post and serves as a security device to prevent access to the electrical conductors behind the cover. A removable plate having a bottom edge engaged within a channel extends across the opening of the bracket. A tang extends from the bracket for penetrable engagement with a slot in the plate. An aperture in the tang extending through the plate is engageable with the shackle of a lock to preclude removal of the plate.