Hoop Lock Welded Armoring Against Cutting Tools

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Hoop locks face challenges in securing against unauthorized break-open attempts, particularly from cutting tools.

Innovation Solution

The hoop lock incorporates armoring on the closing hoop and/or the lock body housing through buildup welding, forming armor beads that enhance resistance against cutting tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the closing hoop and housing are made from standard materials without additional protection, then the manufacturing cost and complexity remain low, but the resistance against cutting tools and break-open attempts is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance against cutting toolsVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies armoring made of hard metal material onto the closing hoop and/or housing through buildup welding. This creates a composite structure where the base metal provides structural integrity while the hard metal armoring provides cutting resistance, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The armoring is applied selectively to specific areas of the closing hoop and housing that are most vulnerable to cutting attacks. This localized application provides enhanced protection where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity in areas where the base material is sufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If armoring is applied to the closing hoop and housing, then the security against break-open attempts is significantly increased, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against unauthorized accessVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The armoring is applied during the manufacturing process before the lock is assembled and put into service. This preliminary application of protective layers ensures that the security enhancement is integrated into the product from the outset, rather than requiring complex post-manufacturing modifications or specialized installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a simpler buildup welding process for applying armoring. Instead of incorporating multiple moving parts or complex assembly steps, the protective armoring is applied through a straightforward welding process that enhances security without significantly complicating manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 armoring significantly increases the security of the hoop lock by making it substantially more difficult to cut through or break open, thereby protecting against unauthorized access.

Implementation Method 1

an armoring is applied to the closing hoop and/or the housing of the hoop lock by way of buildup welding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS20250163730A1Hoop lock with welded-on armoring

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 ABUS AUGUST BREMICKER SOEHNE KG

AI summary

A hoop lock includes a lock body, which includes a housing and a locking apparatus accommodated in the housing, and a closing hoop that has at least one end that can be selectively locked to the lock body or released from the lock body by way of the locking apparatus. An armoring is applied to the closing hoop and/or the housing of the lock body by way of buildup welding.