Door Frame Locking Mechanism for Distributed Forced-Entry Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional deadbolt locks are easily defeated and provide insufficient resistance against forced entry, as they apply force across a small area and can be overcome with minimal effort.
Innovation Solution
A locking apparatus with a lifting member that translates force into a larger surface area, featuring a central member, actuator, and strap to flex and transfer energy, enhancing resistance and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional deadbolt is mounted within the door and extends into a small recess, then the locking mechanism is simple and easy to install, but it applies resistive force across only a small area and can be easily overcome with minimal force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional linear deadbolt extending into a small recess to a strap that wraps around the door frame, utilizing a three-dimensional path. This dimensional change allows the locking force to be distributed across a much larger surface area of the door frame, significantly increasing the resistive force while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the locking mechanism by replacing a short linear extension with a long strap that wraps around the door frame. This parameter change increases both the length of the locking element and the surface area of contact, thereby enhancing the strength and resistance to forced entry
2Ease of manufacture
If a deadbolt is mounted within the door body, then the installation is straightforward, but the lock strike plate becomes the weakest point and can be kicked in with relatively little force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking function into multiple components: a mounting bracket attached to the door frame, a strap that wraps around the frame, and a lifting member that engages with the strap. This segmentation allows the force distribution to be spread across multiple attachment points rather than concentrated at a single strike plate, significantly improving reliability against forced entry while maintaining ease of installation
Solution Approach 2:
The strap acts as an intermediary element between the door and the door frame, transferring and distributing the locking force across a large surface area of the frame. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the weak strike plate problem by replacing it with a distributed force system that is much more resistant to kicking or impact attacks
3Device complexity
If a traditional deadbolt applies force across a small area, then the mechanism is simple, but it can be defeated by lock bumping and other techniques requiring minimal effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including a movable lifting member that can be raised and lowered, and a strap that can flex and adjust to applied forces. This dynamic design maintains operational simplicity while significantly improving security, as the flexible strap and movable components make the lock resistant to bumping and picking techniques that rely on rigid, predictable mechanical responses
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
The apparatus provides increased strength and resilience against forced entry by distributing applied force over a larger area, making it more difficult to overcome.
Implementation Method 1
transfer energy received at the lifting member into the body of the locking apparatus into a surface to which the locking apparatus is mounted
Implementation Method 2
the strap configured to permit the lifting member to flex based at least in part upon contact between the lifting member and the openable element
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems for providing a locking apparatus for resisting movement of an openable element are described. The locking apparatus includes a mounting bracket, a central member, a stop plate, and a housing. The mounting bracket is couplable to the openable element. The central member is couplable to the mounting bracket and includes a body, an actuator, a lifting member coupled to the body and configured to be raise or lowered. The stop plate may be coupled to the frame of the openable element and aligned with at least a portion of the lifting member for restricting movement of the openable element when the lifting member is raised. The housing may be coupled to the mounting bracket and is generally used for aesthetic purposes. The locking apparatus may be one of a plurality of locking apparatuses grouped together for singular or group control, such as, for active shooter situations.