Flip Guard Lock Actuator Arm Immobilizes Deadbolt Knob
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deadbolt systems are vulnerable to lock picking and bump keying, and users may accidentally unlock doors with their own keys, lacking a cost-effective and easy-to-install 'lock out' feature for enhanced security.
Innovation Solution
A security system that reinforces the existing deadbolt assembly by attaching a base plate behind the deadbolt faceplate and using an actuator arm to immobilize the turn knob, preventing rotation and retraction of the deadbolt, thereby enhancing security without requiring new hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an actuator arm is used to immobilize the turn knob, then security against lock picking and bump keying is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator arm is nested within the base plate structure, with the arm rotating on a hinge attached to the base plate. This nesting approach allows the security mechanism to be compact and integrated rather than adding separate external components, thereby improving security while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the base plate for mounting, the actuator arm for immobilization, and the hinge for movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of installation
2Ease of manufacture
If a base plate is used to attach behind the deadbolt faceplate, then installation ease and structural strength are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a mounting surface for the actuator arm hinge, acts as a structural reinforcement behind the deadbolt faceplate, and serves as the attachment point for securing the entire device to the door. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby improving installation ease while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate merges the mounting function and structural support function into a single component. By combining these functions, the invention eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and support structures, simplifying both the device design and the installation process
3Reliability
If the actuator arm engages over the turn knob, then prevention of unauthorized entry is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator arm is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to rotate on its hinge to engage with or disengage from the deadbolt turn knob. This dynamic capability enables users to easily switch between locked and unlocked states by simply rotating the arm, maintaining ease of operation while providing robust security when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual operation and the deadbolt locking state. By providing this intermediate rotating arm that can engage or disengage the turn knob, the system maintains simple user interaction while achieving reliable security through the engagement state
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention, and inventive system, is a new locking mechanism that prevents entry for doors, or other barriers that can use a deadbolt system, or system comparable to a deadbolt system. The present invention can be installed and works in conjunction with the existing deadbolt assembly to prevent lock picking, a bump key, or a user's own key from being used to open the door. In the present invention, by engaging the arm latch, or arm actuator, of the present invention, over the turn knob on an existing deadbolt, the present invention prevents the free rotation movement of the turn knob, thus not allowing retraction of the deadbolt, and entry through that door or barrier.