Device for guiding a locking bolt and container, in particular a letterbox or package box

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mailbox and parcel box locking systems face challenges in providing adequate burglary security due to the labor-intensive and potentially warping welding process for guiding locking bolts, which complicates installation and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a U-profile or cubic guide body with a fastening element, such as a spring clip or locking projections, that is inserted into the door from the outside and secured with a fastening element, allowing for simple and cost-effective installation without warping the door.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If welding is used to attach the guide body to the door, then the guide body is securely fixed, but the door may warp and installation becomes labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of guide bodyVSAvoidinstallation complexity and door warping

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process (thermal-mechanical system) with a mechanical fastening system consisting of a fastening element that engages with the guide body through threading or snapping mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for welding operations, preventing door warping and reducing installation labor while maintaining secure fixation of the guide body to the door.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the guide body is designed with complex fastening mechanisms, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element is designed to be self-contained and self-activating, requiring no additional tools or complex assembly operations. The fastening element automatically engages with the guide body through simple insertion and locking motions, providing secure attachment while minimizing device complexity and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If standard welding procedures are used, then the guide body is firmly attached, but installation time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element is pre-configured with engagement features that align with corresponding features on the guide body. This preliminary design allows for rapid assembly where the fastening element can be quickly inserted and locked into place without requiring time-consuming welding operations, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2710935B1Device for guiding a locking bolt and container, in particular a letterbox or package box

Publication Date: 2021.12.22 BURG WACHTER KG

Figure 1~4b
Figure 5a~5b

AI summary

The apparatus has flap insertable guide portion (8) that is provided for guiding locking element (7) via opening provided in door (5) of container. The locking element is connected positively to the guide portion. The guide portion formed with outer thread or U-shaped profile is provided with leg portions (9) that are connected to web (10). An independent claim is included for a container.