Frangible Latch Indicator for Visible Tamper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch mechanisms do not provide a visual indication when they have been opened or tampered with, which can be a concern in applications where security or integrity is important.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base, a head, and a body with a frangible section is inserted into a latch mechanism, where the frangible section breaks upon movement of the latch from a locked to an unlocked position, causing the base and head to separate and provide a visual indication of tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a latch mechanism is used without any indication system, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to detect tampering is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators that change appearance or position to signal latch status. The indicator member is positioned to be visible when the latch is in a first state and obscured or repositioned when in a second state, providing clear visual differentiation without complex electronics or mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism itself performs the indication function through its own movement. As the latch transitions between locked and unlocked states, the indicator member automatically moves to different positions, eliminating the need for separate detection systems or power sources.
2Reliability
If a visual indication system is added to the latch, then the ability to detect tampering is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indication function is merged with the existing latch mechanism structure. The indicator member is integrated into the latch assembly, sharing common components and movement paths, which provides reliable tamper detection while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides both the primary locking function and the secondary indication function. The same mechanical movement that locks or unlocks the latch also simultaneously moves the indicator to show the current state, achieving multi-functionality without additional mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the indicator is always visible, then the ease of detecting latch state is high, but the security is reduced as tampering can be hidden
Solution Approach 1:
The visibility of the indicator is dynamic rather than static. The indicator member changes its visibility state based on the latch position - it is visible when the latch is in one state and obscured when in another. This dynamic behavior allows the system to simultaneously provide easy detection of legitimate state changes while maintaining security by hiding the indicator during tampering events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively prevents tampering detection by obscuring the indicator before tampering can be concealed. When the latch is in the locked state, the indicator is positioned to be visible, but any attempt to tamper and change the state will move the indicator to an obscured position, preventing the tamperer from hiding their actions while maintaining normal operation visibility.
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 device provides a clear visual signal that the latch has been opened or tampered with, enhancing security by ensuring immediate detection of unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
The body has a frangible section positioned relative to the base and the head so as to be located in the opening of the fixed member and the opening of the moveable member when the base is inserted through the opening in the fixed member and the opening in the moveable member
Data Source
AI summary
A device for indicating that a latch has been opened or tampered with includes a base, a head and a body having a frangible section. The body connects the base and the head. In use, the device is inserted into a latch in the closed or latched position. The device is positioned such that opening or unlatching the latch breaks or otherwise severs the frangible section, thereby separating the base from the head.