Frictional Shielding Assembly for Van Door Lock Tampering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock systems for vans are vulnerable to theft and exposure to moisture, leading to potential failure and aesthetic deterioration, with existing shielding solutions being inconvenient, aesthetically compromising, and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly with a shielding assembly that features a reconfigurable, cup-shaped body made from plastic or rubber, frictionally held against the lock components to prevent unauthorized access and protect against moisture, using a housing with a C-clip mechanism to prevent tampering and a key-actuated operator for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional puck lock system is used with exposed components, then the lock can be easily accessed and operated, but the components are vulnerable to moisture exposure and theft
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding assembly is nested over the lock assembly, with the cup-shaped body enclosing the exposed outer surface of the lock. This nesting arrangement protects the lock components from moisture and theft while maintaining access through the discrete opening in the shielding assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding assembly uses a cup-shaped body that can be made from flexible materials such as plastic or rubber. This flexible shell conforms to the lock assembly and provides protection while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction without compromising the protective function.
2Ease of manufacture
If magnetic components are used to attach the housing to the vehicle surface, then the housing can be easily mounted, but the magnetic attraction may scratch or scuff the vehicle surface
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding assembly acts as an intermediary between the mounting system and the vehicle surface. By using frictional engagement through a cup-shaped body that conforms to the lock assembly, the mounting force is distributed and reduced, preventing scratches or scuffs on the vehicle surface while still securing the housing in place.
3Reliability
If a tether is used to prevent loss of the housing, then the housing is secured, but the tether and its attachment points compromise vehicle aesthetics and may cause rusting
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding assembly merges the protective function with the mounting function by integrating the frictional engagement mechanism into the cup-shaped body itself. This eliminates the need for separate tethers and attachment points, maintaining vehicle aesthetics while preventing housing loss through the unified design of the frictionally engaged shielding assembly.
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
Enhances security by preventing tampering and protecting against moisture exposure, while maintaining the vehicle's aesthetic appeal by being securely attached without damage to the vehicle's surface, offering a durable and convenient solution.
Implementation Method 1
a shielding assembly that conforms to at least a part of the exposed outer surface, overlies at least a part of the exposed outer surface, and is frictionally held against the lock assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A combination including an apparatus with a frame bounding an internal space and a first repositionable door that is movable between closed and open positions relative to the frame. Cooperating components on the first door and at least one of: a) the frame; and b) a second door are alignable in a first relative position with the first door closed. A lock assembly cooperates with the components with the first door in the closed position and the cooperating components in the first relative position and has a locked state wherein the lock assembly prevents the first door from being moved from its closed position into its open position. A shielding assembly conforms to at least a part of the exposed outer surface, overlies at least a part of the exposed outer surface, and is frictionally held against the lock assembly to be maintained in an operative state.