Corner-Mounted Locking Mechanism for Thin Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of electronic devices has made it difficult to effectively secure them using traditional locking mechanisms, as the security slots are now closer to the bottom surface, making it challenging for standard locking cylinders to be inserted without lifting the device, and there is a need for locking solutions that are both miniaturized and sturdy.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking mechanism that includes a housing with a corner-mounted locking assembly, featuring a combination-based locking mechanism and a key-based override, with movable locking elements that can be inserted into security slots very close to the bottom surface, utilizing a wedge lock design and a thin metallic retainer for added strength and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking cylinders are used, then locking strength is maintained, but the device cannot be secured when the security slot is close to the bottom surface
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking element that engages the security slot, a driver mechanism that actuates the locking element, and a combination lock mechanism that controls the driver. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling the locking element to be small enough for close slots while maintaining locking strength through proper design of the engagement features.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to engage the security slot from a lateral direction rather than requiring vertical insertion from above. This dimensional change allows the locking mechanism to function effectively when the security slot is positioned close to the bottom surface of the electronic device, as the locking element can approach the slot horizontally from the side of the housing.
2Volume of moving object
If locking mechanism size is reduced, then it can fit close security slots, but locking strength and sturdiness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs composite construction with a metallic retainer providing structural strength and a plastic housing providing form and function. The metallic retainer, though thin, provides sufficient strength to resist pulling forces while allowing the overall mechanism to maintain a compact size suitable for close security slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed with pre-formed engagement features including a head portion and a shaft portion that engage with the security slot walls before the locking action is completed. This preliminary engagement geometry ensures that even in the compact design, the locking mechanism achieves sufficient holding strength through the mechanical interlocking of these pre-formed features.
3Reliability
If combination lock mechanism is added, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver mechanism serves multiple functions: it actuates the locking element to engage or disengage from the security slot, and simultaneously controls the combination lock mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function, as the same rotational motion of the driver performs both the mechanical locking action and the combination code verification.
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 combination-based 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. A key-based lock enables overriding the combination-based locking assembly to unlock the movable locking element even while the combination lock is in a locked state.