Door Latch Shim Blocking for Tamper-Resistant Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locking systems are susceptible to tampering, compromising their security by allowing unauthorized access or preventing the door from being secured in a closed position.
Innovation Solution
A lock system with a lock bolt and a shim, where the lock bolt moves between extended and retracted positions, and the shim surrounds the bolt to block an opening, ensuring secure locking even when the door is open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the housing enclosing the locking system is made susceptible to tampering, then the locking system can be easily installed and accessed, but the security of the door locking system is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shim is pre-installed in the housing before the lock bolt is assembled, creating a pre-configured blocking structure that prevents tampering attempts from the outset. This preliminary action ensures that any attempt to access or tamper with the locking system is blocked by the shim before the lock bolt can be compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim acts as an intermediary element between the housing and the lock bolt. It is disposed within the housing and configured to block openings that could allow tampering with the lock bolt. The shim mediates the interaction between potential tamperers and the locking mechanism, preventing direct access while maintaining the functionality of the lock bolt.
2Productivity
If the lock bolt is always extended, then the door can be quickly locked, but the lock bolt becomes vulnerable to tampering and forced entry
Solution Approach 1:
The lock bolt is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its state based on operational needs. When the door is closed and locking is required, the lock bolt extends to engage the door frame. When the door is open or during installation, the lock bolt can be retracted to minimize vulnerability to tampering.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim serves as a protective intermediary that blocks openings in the housing, preventing tamperers from directly accessing or forcing the lock bolt. This intermediary structure protects the lock bolt regardless of its position, adding an additional layer of security while allowing the lock bolt to move freely for operational purposes.
3Reliability
If the housing is made tamper-resistant, then security is improved, but the complexity of the locking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-resistant feature is segmented into a separate component (the shim) rather than being integrated into the entire housing structure. This segmentation allows the housing to maintain its basic simplicity while adding protective functionality through the independent shim element. The shim can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the housing, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that provides effective tamper resistance without requiring complex mechanisms. Rather than using expensive or complex tamper-resistant housing designs, the patent employs a straightforward shim structure that blocks openings and prevents tampering with minimal added complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock system includes a first housing and a lock bolt. The first housing includes a recessed area and a first opening disposed within the recessed area. The lock bolt is supported by the first housing and configured to move between a first position and a second position. The lock bolt extends beyond the recessed area in the first position. The lock bolt is disposed within the recessed area in the second position. The lock bolt blocks the first opening in the first position and the second position.