Key Container Security Liner for Anti-Crack Attack Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing key containers, particularly die cast and formed sheet metal ones, lack enhanced security features as they are either brittle and prone to cracking under physical attacks or limited in forming complex shapes, respectively.

Innovation Solution

A die cast key container with a stainless steel liner that is u-shaped and includes detents for secure positioning, providing additional toughness and protection by moving into a protected location within the container upon attack, while maintaining the advantages of complex shapes and low cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If die cast key containers are used, then complex shapes can be formed at low cost, but the containers are brittle and prone to cracking under physical attack

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplex shapeVSAvoidresistance to cracking
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a die cast outer shell with an inner liner made of a different material (metal, plastic, or rubber) to create a composite structure. The die cast portion provides complex shapes at low cost, while the inner liner material provides toughness and resistance to cracking under physical attack, thus resolving the contradiction between shape complexity and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If formed sheet metal key containers are used, then toughness and resistance to cracking are improved, but the containers cannot be formed into complex shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetoughnessVSAvoidcomplex shape
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The key container is divided into two separate components: an outer shell formed by die casting that provides complex shapes, and an inner liner formed from sheet metal or other tough materials that provides toughness. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between shape complexity and toughness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If a liner is added to the key container, then security and toughness are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inner liner is nested within the outer shell of the key container, with the liner fitting inside the cavity of the shell. This nesting arrangement enhances security by providing an additional layer of protection without requiring separate mounting mechanisms or complex assembly procedures, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8307677B2Key container with security liner
Publication Date: 2012.11.13 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • US8307677B2 patent drawing
  • US8307677B2 patent drawing
  • US8307677B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A key containment apparatus includes a key container having a pocket and a liner positioned in the pocket of the key container, the liner being shaped to receive a key.