Corner-Mounted Lock Head for Thin Computer Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of electronic devices has made it difficult for standard locking mechanisms to secure them effectively, as the security slots are now closer to the bottom surface, making it challenging for traditional locking cylinders to be inserted without lifting the device, and there is a need for stronger, more compact locking solutions that maintain sturdiness and usability.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking mechanism with a housing and locking assembly that includes a main locking element and a movable locking element, supported by a driver, which can be secured to the housing with a thin metallic retainer, allowing the locking elements to be positioned close to the bottom surface, enabling insertion into security slots as close as 3 mm above the surface without lifting the device, and providing resistance to pulling forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If standard locking cylinders are used, then locking strength is maintained, but the device thickness increases and cannot be inserted into security slots close to the bottom surface
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a compact lock housing containing the locking elements, a driver assembly, and a retainer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling the lock housing to be sufficiently thin for modern devices while maintaining locking strength through the robust locking elements within.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are positioned at the corner region where two side walls meet the bottom wall, utilizing the three-dimensional corner space. This dimensional positioning allows the locking elements to engage security slots very close to the bottom surface (within 2mm) while the main body of the lock housing extends in multiple directions, maintaining strength without increasing the critical thickness dimension.
2Ease of operation
If locking elements are positioned close to the bottom surface, then compatibility with thin devices is improved, but the structural strength and resistance to pulling forces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a retainer made of thin metallic material that wraps around the locking assembly body and is affixed to the housing. This thin metallic structure provides sufficient structural support and force resistance while maintaining the compact size needed for thin devices. The combination of the retainer, locking assembly body, and housing creates a composite structure that achieves both thinness and strength.
3Length of moving object
If a compact locking mechanism is used, then device thickness is reduced, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the locking assembly body: it houses the locking elements, provides the driver interface, and serves as the mounting structure for the retainer. This merging of functions into a single integrated component reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining the compact form factor required for thin devices.
4Reliability
If traditional T-bar locking elements are used, then locking reliability is maintained, but the lock housing diameter becomes too large to fit into devices with security slots close to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the locking elements extend outward from a large cylindrical housing (traditional approach), the design inverts the arrangement by positioning the locking elements at the corner region where they engage the security slot, with the housing wrapping around them. This inverted geometry allows the locking elements to maintain their reliable T-bar or wedge shape while the housing volume is dramatically reduced to fit within 7mm of the device surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock for computer security has housing comprising a bottom wall, at least one side wall and a front wall with a corner region defined adjacent to both the bottom wall and the at least one side wall. A locking assembly comprises a locking assembly body holding at least two locking elements including a main locking element and a movable locking element, both said locking elements being supported by the locking assembly body, and the main locking element extending from and away from the locking assembly body at the front wall of the lock housing. A driver is coupled to the movable locking element, configured to selectively move the movable locking element in frontwise and rearwise directions, and controlled by a locking mechanism. The locking assembly is secured to the housing at the corner region thereof, with the locking elements located directly adjacent both the bottom wall and the at least one side wall.