Deadbolt Latch Securing Assembly with Pivoting Cam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deadbolt locks can be vulnerable to unauthorized unlocking using counterfeit keys or lock picking, posing a risk of unauthorized entry.

Innovation Solution

A latch securing assembly with an elongated member pivotally coupled to a base member, featuring a groove to securely retain the latch in its locked position, preventing rotation and unauthorized unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a deadbolt lock is used to secure doors, then door security is improved, but the lock remains vulnerable to unauthorized unlocking using counterfeit keys or lock picking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor securityVSAvoidunauthorized unlocking vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into two independent components: the traditional key-latch mechanism and the new latch securing assembly with cam member. This segmentation allows the second component to provide backup security that operates independently of the first, preventing unauthorized entry even if one system is compromised

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latch securing assembly applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the cam member to engage with the latch tail before an intruder can manipulate the latch. The spring member continuously exerts force to maintain this engaging relationship, preemptively countering any attempted latch manipulation and rendering counterfeit keys or lock picking ineffective

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If the operator holds onto the latch to prevent unauthorized unlocking, then security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates and continuous manual intervention is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatch securityVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch securing assembly is self-service in that the spring member automatically maintains engagement between the cam member and latch tail without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system self-regulates through the spring's elastic force, which continuously pushes the cam member against the latch tail to prevent unauthorized movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The latch securing assembly introduces dynamics through the movable cam member that can pivot between engaged and disengaged positions. The spring member creates a dynamic force field that automatically adjusts to maintain security, eliminating the need for static manual holding while preserving security effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a latch securing assembly with cam member and spring is added, then security against unauthorized unlocking is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunauthorized unlocking preventionVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch securing assembly is segmented into distinct functional components (cam member, spring member, mounting bracket) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall device complexity by allowing each component to perform a specific function rather than requiring a single complex mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the latch itself complex to prevent manipulation, the invention inverts the approach by adding a simple cam member that passively engages with the existing latch tail. This inversion simplifies the solution by working with the existing latch structure rather than redesigning the latch, thereby adding minimal complexity while achieving enhanced security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enhances security by ensuring the deadbolt lock remains in its locked position, making it difficult for intruders to unlock the door, thereby preventing unauthorized entry.

Implementation Method 1

a spring member positioned to engage the cam member and exert a force thereon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a cam member pivotally coupled to a door at a pivot point positioned adjacent the latch receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivotal rotation: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS11624203B2Device for securing deadbolt latch
Publication Date: 2023.04.11 MANO HAROLD
  • US11624203B2 patent drawing
  • US11624203B2 patent drawing
  • US11624203B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Here is provided a device for securing a standard deadbolt lock in a locked orientation so that the deadbolt lock cannot be unlocked by an intruder. The device disclosed includes an elongated member pivotally coupled to a base member by a pivotal joint. The base member is securely mounted to a housing of the deadbolt lock and the protruding member has an elongated groove dimensioned and configured to receive the latch of the deadbolt lock and secure it within the groove such that the latch cannot be rotated to unlock the deadbolt lock. The protruding member is pivotally movable between a closed position wherein the latch is contained within the groove and an extended position wherein the protruding member is positioned away from the latch.