Electronic Clutch Cylinder for Tab Lock Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tab locks, commonly used in mailboxes and closets, are vulnerable to manipulation without a key due to their mechanical nature, as the cam mechanism is easily accessible and can be manipulated externally, making electronic cylinder mechanisms ineffective in these applications.
Innovation Solution
A tab lock opening mechanism utilizing electronic clutch cylinders, comprising a main rotor, rotor supplement, transmission cam, tab, and dead bolt, where the rotor engages the rotor supplement to rotate the transmission cam, which in turn rotates the tab, allowing secure 90° rotation and relocking, preventing external manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical tab lock with an accessible cam is used, then the lock is simple to operate and manufacture, but the cam is easily manipulated from the outside allowing unauthorized opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the cam mechanism inside the cylinder body housing, which contains and protects it from external manipulation. The rotor and cam are nested within the housing structure, making them inaccessible from the outside while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dead bolt as an intermediary element that blocks the tab from rotating when the lock is engaged. This dead bolt acts as a mediator between the cam mechanism and the tab, preventing direct external manipulation of the cam while allowing controlled operation through the key.
2Reliability
If an electronic cylinder mechanism is used, then security against manipulation is improved, but the mechanism cannot be effectively applied to tab locks where the cam is accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts the electronic cylinder mechanism to tab locks by nesting the cam inside the cylinder body housing, making it inaccessible from the outside. This allows the electronic mechanism to be effectively applied to tab locks while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If the cam is made inaccessible to prevent manipulation, then security is improved, but the operation of the lock becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dead bolt serves as an intermediary that automatically engages and disengages based on the rotor position. When the key is inserted and turned, the rotor rotates, which through the cam mechanism, automatically retracts the dead bolt to allow tab rotation. This maintains ease of operation through the key while securing the cam during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is self-servicing through the automatic engagement and disengagement of the dead bolt based on rotor position. The system automatically controls access to the tab rotation without requiring additional user actions beyond key insertion and turning.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device object of the invention comprises at least a main rotor (1), a cylinder body (2) with the main rotor (1) passing through said cylinder body (2), a rotor supplement (4), a transmission cam (8), a tab (14) with an internal face (14i) and an external face (14e), and a nut (15), where the main rotor (1) connects to the rotor supplement (4) through the interior of the cylinder body (2), the transmission cam (8) being placed coaxially to the rotor supplement (4), and the tab (14) coaxially to the transmission cam (8), transferring its rotation to the tab (14) by means of a transmitting pin (11, 11').