Hinge Pin Lock for Electrical Device Cover Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical device cover assemblies have a weak security point in their hinges, as the hinge pins can be removed without disengaging the padlock, allowing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a hinge pin lock mechanism that secures the first and second pins together, with a locking surface positioned between the pin capture surfaces and the pin heads, and a hinge lock shield that covers the lock when the lid is closed, preventing unauthorized access and securing the pins in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a padlock is used to lock the lid to the base, then access is prevented, but the hinge pins can still be removed to bypass the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the padlock security mechanism with the hinge pin retention mechanism into a single integrated system. The hasp engages with the shackle to simultaneously secure both the lid position and the hinge pins, eliminating the vulnerability where pins could be removed independently of the lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge pin is nested within the hasp structure, with the pin passing through the hasp body. The shackle then engages with the hasp to trap the pin in place, creating a nested configuration where the pin is contained within the hasp which is itself secured by the shackle.
2Reliability
If the hinge pins are made secure to prevent removal, then unauthorized access is blocked, but authorized access becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into three distinct but interconnected components: the hasp with pin capture surface, the hinge pin with capture surface, and the shackle. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to be self-latching and self-securing. When the lid is closed, the hasp automatically engages with the shackle, which in turn automatically secures the hinge pins in place without requiring additional locking actions or complex mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the hinge pin lock is made accessible for easy removal, then authorized access is simplified, but unauthorized access becomes easier
Solution Approach 1:
The hasp is pre-positioned and pre-configured with the pin capture surface and shackle engagement features before use. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the lid is closed, the security mechanism is automatically activated without requiring additional steps, while maintaining controlled accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical device cover assembly having a hinge pin lock is disclosed. The electrical device cover assembly comprises a base having at least a first base hinge aperture and a lid having at least a first lid hinge aperture. The lid is hingedly coupled to the base along an axis by at least a first pin coupled to both the first base hinge aperture and the first lid hinge aperture. The hinge pin lock comprises an opening sized to receive a portion of at least the first pin in a direction normal to the axis, and at least a first locking surface. The hinge pin lock is directly and releasably coupled to the first pin such that the first locking surface is between a first pin capture surface of the first pin and a head of the first pin. The electrical device cover assembly may further comprise a second pin.