Ferromagnetic Locking Pin Housing for Impact Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechatronic locking systems are vulnerable to impact attacks and unauthorized manipulation due to the use of permanent magnetic locking pins, which can be easily ascertained from the outside, leading to security risks and unintended unlocking during abrupt movements.
Innovation Solution
A housing with a locking mechanism featuring a ferromagnetic locking pin that can be moved by a magnetic field, combined with a second elastic element and a latching device, providing additional resistance and security through a tool that applies a coordinated force to transition the locking pin from a locked to an unlocked position, ensuring secure operation and maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If permanent magnetic locking pins are used, then the locking mechanism can be easily opened by authorized persons using magnetic tools, but the housing becomes vulnerable to unauthorized manipulation and impact attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic properties of the locking pin by using ferromagnetic material that is not permanently magnetized, instead relying on temporary magnetization when an external magnetic field is applied. This allows the locking pin to be movable when needed while resisting unintended movement during normal operation or impact attacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the permanent magnetic field system with a coordinated mechanical-magnetic system. Instead of relying solely on magnetic forces, the locking mechanism uses a combination of elastic elements (springs) and temporary magnetic field application through a tool to achieve controlled movement of the locking pin.
2Loss of information
If the locking pin position is easily ascertained from the outside, then the locking mechanism can be monitored for its state, but the housing becomes more vulnerable to targeted tampering attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic parameter of the locking pin from permanently magnetized to temporarily magnetized only when an external tool is applied. This prevents external detection of the locking pin's position through magnetic field sensing while still allowing authorized opening when the tool provides the necessary magnetic field.
3Reliability
If the locking pin is held by spring force in the locked position, then the locking is secure against accidental opening, but abrupt movements or impact attacks can overcome the spring force and cause unintended unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical spring-based locking system with a hybrid system combining elastic elements and temporary magnetic field interaction. The magnetic field provides an additional retaining force that complements the spring force, creating a more robust locking mechanism that resists both accidental opening and impact attacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite approach combining ferromagnetic material with elastic elements. The ferromagnetic locking pin interacts with both the mechanical spring force and the temporary magnetic field, creating a composite locking mechanism that leverages the strengths of both magnetic and mechanical systems.
4Ease of operation
If a tool with permanent magnet is used to open the housing, then the locking pin can be moved to the unlocked position, but the permanent magnet may interfere with the locking mechanism's normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the magnetic field by using a temporary magnet instead of a permanent magnet in the tool. The magnetic field is applied only when needed to open the housing and is removed afterward, allowing the locking mechanism to return to its normal spring-based operation without permanent magnetic interference.
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 solution enhances security by making it difficult to determine the locking pin's position externally and resisting forces that could cause unintended unlocking, while allowing authorized access for maintenance without compromising the locking system's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The locking pin has ferromagnetic material, as a result of which it can be moved along the direction of movement given by the guide by applying a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The first elastic member movably supports the locking pin, and the locking pin is movable along a moving direction given by the guide
Implementation Method 3
The locking device of a housing according to the invention has a second elastic element which applies a force to the latching device or the locking pin or both
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A housing 2 for a locking system 100 is disclosed, wherein the housing 2 comprises, among other things, a movable element 12 and a locking device 1, the locking device (1) being configured to lock the movable element (12). Furthermore, a tool 20 and a method are disclosed for opening a housing 2 closed by the locking device 1. The locking device 1 comprises a locking element 3, a first elastic element 4, a guide 5, and a detent 6. The first elastic element 4 movably supports the locking element 3, and the locking element 3 is movable along a direction of movement 17 defined by the guide 5 such that it engages the detent 6 in a first position and does not engage the detent 6 in a second position.In the first position, the locking element 3 prevents the latching device 6 from moving relative to the locking element 3. The housing is characterized in that the locking device 1 has a second elastic element 7 which applies a force to the latching device 6 and/or the locking element 3, having a component perpendicular to the direction of movement 17 of the locking element 3. Furthermore, the housing is characterized in that the locking element 3 is made of ferromagnetic material and is movable by applying a magnetic field along the direction of movement 17 defined by the guide 5.