Configurable Cable Locking Structure for Multi-Anchor Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety devices for securing objects, such as bicycles or displays, lack versatility in configuring anchorage points and allowing multiple branches to be securely locked or unlocked with a single lock, often being prone to weaknesses or limited configurations.

Innovation Solution

A configurable safety device featuring an articulated tubular body with a steering lock, anchorage clamps, and a cable system that allows adjustable extension and locking, enabling flexible configuration of anchorage points and branches under a single lock mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If chains of links with a padlock are used to secure objects, then versatility in anchoring locations is improved, but the device is prone to being easily broken and does not allow multiple anchors to be unlocked from a single lock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring location flexibilityVSAvoiddevice strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple independent anchorage clamps that can be positioned at different locations along the tubular body, each capable of independent locking and unlocking actions while maintaining overall system integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple anchorage clamps are combined into a single integrated device with a unified lock mechanism that can control all clamps simultaneously, allowing one lock to secure multiple anchors at different locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If articulated tubular bodies with predetermined length are used (pythons), then resistance to breaking is improved, but versatility in configuring anchorage points and tightening程度 is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice resistanceVSAvoidanchorage configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular body incorporates multiple movable anchorage clamps that can be dynamically positioned at different locations along the body and adjusted to different tightening degrees, transforming a static predetermined structure into a dynamic configurable system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows changing of key parameters including anchorage point locations, number of active anchors, and tightening forces independently, enabling the same physical structure to adapt to different security requirements through parameter adjustment rather than structural modification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple locks are used to secure different branches, then security of each branch is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebranch securityVSAvoidlock mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple independent lock mechanisms are merged into a single unified lock system that simultaneously controls all anchorage clamps, reducing the number of locking components while maintaining security across all branches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single lock mechanism serves multiple functions by simultaneously securing multiple different branches and anchorage points, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized locks for each branch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If multiple independent locks are used for different branches, then security is maintained, but ease of operation and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidlocking speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple locking operations are combined into a single action where one locking movement simultaneously secures all branches, and one unlocking action simultaneously releases all anchors, dramatically increasing operational speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11866960B2Configurable safety device and procedure for its configuration

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 LEGUTEC INICIATIVAS TECNICAS SL

AI summary

Configurable safety device comprising a main branch which, in turn, comprises a cable delimited by a flashing and a steering lock, with a series of rings and anchorage clamps of complementary geometries arranged on the cable in such a way that, in the locked position, all these elements are closely joined and the anchorage clamps are blocked without the possibility of opening, while in the unlocked position, spaces are generated between the elements, anchorage clamps and rings, allowing the opening of these anchorage clamps. The passage from the closed to the unlocked position is obtained by increasing the available cable extension, and the passage from the unlocked to the locked position by decreasing it. For this purpose, the steering lock has the means to increase or decrease this extension of available cable as well as a latch to fix it.