Key Box Multi-Cam Locking Plate Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key boxes suffer from weak locking mechanisms and insecure authentication systems, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access and vandalism, especially when used for storing small valuables like keys and access cards.
Innovation Solution
A key box design featuring a locking mechanism with a rotating locking plate that engages multiple cams on the side walls, providing a strong interlocking effect, combined with a secure, compact, and power-efficient locking system that can be operated remotely via wireless communication, ensuring enhanced security against forced entry and tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional locking mechanism is used in key boxes, then the structure is simple, but the locking strength is weak and vulnerable to forced entry
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate is segmented into multiple cams (at least three cams) that can independently engage with different sides of the box. Each cam acts as a separate locking element, and their combined action creates a multi-point locking system that significantly strengthens the overall locking mechanism while maintaining a relatively simple plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a single-plane locking approach to a multi-dimensional locking system. The cams are arranged to engage with sides of the box in different spatial directions, creating locking points distributed across multiple dimensions. This multi-dimensional engagement greatly enhances resistance to forced entry compared to traditional single-plane locks.
2Ease of operation
If a visible authentication interface (keypad) is provided on the outside of the box, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to vandalism and unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication interface is extracted from the external surface of the box and relocated to the interior secure space. Users must open the box using alternative means (such as a hidden mechanical keyhole or emergency release) to access the keypad and code input interface. This extraction removes the vulnerability of external keypads to vandalism while preserving authentication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mechanism (such as a hidden mechanical keyhole, emergency release lever, or remote activation system) is introduced between the external environment and the authentication interface. This intermediary allows the box to be opened in emergencies or by authorized users without exposing the authentication interface to external threats, while still maintaining secure access control.
3Strength
If the locking mechanism is made more robust to prevent forced entry, then security is improved, but the mechanism becomes larger and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single integrated locking plate structure. The plate contains multiple cams that work together as one unified mechanism, providing multi-point locking across different sides of the box. This merging achieves robust security equivalent to multiple separate locks while maintaining a compact, space-efficient design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural reinforcement element, a mounting surface for the cams, and the operational interface for the locking mechanism. The cams themselves serve both as locking elements and as engagement points with the box sides. This multi-functionality maximizes security performance while minimizing the volume of the locking mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates in one aspect to a key box comprising a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member together defining a secure space; wherein the second member is moveable with respect to the first member between a CLOSED position preventing access to the secure space and an OPEN position allowing access to the secure space; wherein the second member comprises side walls; wherein the first member comprises a lock mechanism; wherein the lock mechanism comprises a locking plate, the lock mechanism being adapted to rotate the locking plate about a rotation axis between a LOCK position and an UNLOCK position. The locking plate comprises a plurality of cams, each cam projecting in a different radial direction away from the rotation axis, wherein each of the cams is arranged to engage the second member at a corresponding engagement point on the side walls when the second member is in the CLOSED position and the locking plate is in the LOCK position.