Interchangeable Lock Head for Thin Electronic Device Security Slots
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional security locks are no longer compatible with the thinner, lighter portable electronic devices due to reduced dimensions in the security slots, leading to tilting issues and increased manufacturing costs from varying lock slot designs.
Innovation Solution
A portable security lock with an interchangeable lock head and body, featuring alterable lock fingers and engaging members that secure and release the lock head, allowing compatibility with different slot designs and dimensions, and a locking mechanism that adjusts the lock fingers' state for secure engagement and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional security locks are used with thinner portable electronic devices, then the security slot dimension is reduced, but the lock becomes incompatible and causes tilting issues
Solution Approach 1:
The security lock is divided into two separable parts: a lock body and a lock head. The lock head contains the lock cylinder and can be detached from the lock body, allowing users to exchange lock heads to match different security slot dimensions on various devices while keeping the same lock body.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple lock heads with different specifications. This allows a single lock body to serve multiple functions across different device models, ensuring compatibility without sacrificing locking stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different lock slot designs are implemented on portable electronic devices, then compatibility with specific devices is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the lock into a reusable lock body and exchangeable lock heads, the system reduces the number of unique components that need to be manufactured. Instead of producing entirely different locks for each device model, only the lock heads need to be varied, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal lock body design allows a single base unit to work with multiple lock heads designed for different slot configurations. This approach enables manufacturers to support various device models without increasing overall manufacturing costs, as the core locking mechanism remains the same.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lock head is made readily removable for replacement, then adaptability to different devices is improved, but security during locked state may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lock head features a dynamic engagement mechanism with engaging members that can transition between locked and unlocked states. When locked, the engaging members securely fasten the lock head to the lock body; when unlocked, they allow easy removal. This dynamic system ensures both security during use and ease of replacement when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A security apparatus having a lock head and lock body is disclosed. The lock head includes lock fingers capable of shifting horizontally. When collapsed, the lock fingers may be withdrawn from a security slot of a portable electronic device. Engaging members are set at the lock head and lock body respectively such that the two can be secured together or be readily removable from each other when needed. The lock body includes a locking mechanism operably coupled to the lock head. Configurations of the lock fingers are alterable via the locking mechanism. The lock head and the locking mechanism are on different planes.