Latch mechanisms for covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices, especially those in public locations, are vulnerable to physical security attacks due to cumbersome security measures like keyed locks, which are required for multiple components housed in separate enclosures, leading to inefficient security protocols.
Innovation Solution
A keyless latch mechanism that automatically secures a cover to an electronic device's housing using a rotatable arm and cam system, allowing for secure access blocking without the need for additional keyed locks, and can be operated based on the device's mode of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If keyed locks are used to secure multiple components housed in separate enclosures, then security is provided, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome security measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate keyed locks into a single integrated latch mechanism that secures multiple components simultaneously. The latch mechanism includes a latch member with a cam feature that interacts with a lever member to secure both the cover and internal chamber, eliminating the need for multiple separate locking devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism serves multiple security functions through a single device: it secures the cover to the enclosure, blocks access to the internal chamber, and can be operated via a button mechanism. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized keyed locks with one universal latch system that handles various security requirements.
2Reliability
If keyed locks are used for multiple components, then security is provided, but ease of operation worsens due to cumbersome security protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates a button-operated release system that allows automatic engagement and simple manual disengagement. When the button is pressed, the cam feature rotates the lever member to release the latch, providing self-service functionality that eliminates the need for multiple keyed operations and simplifies the security protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring multiple keys to unlock multiple components sequentially, the system inverts the approach by using a single button press that triggers a cam mechanism to simultaneously release all locked components. This reverses the traditional lock-and-key paradigm, making operation simpler while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If multiple keyed locks are used to secure separate enclosures, then security coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate keyed locks into one integrated latch mechanism. The latch member with its cam feature and the lever member work together to secure both the cover and the internal chamber simultaneously, reducing the number of locking devices from multiple to one while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.
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 keyless latch mechanism provides a simple and automatic security measure that secures multiple components with fewer locks, enhancing the security of electronic devices by preventing unauthorized access while allowing quick release for operational access.
Implementation Method 1
a spring to bias the rotatable arm to secure the cover to the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
a cam moveable between a rest position and an engaged position. In the engaged position, the cam moves the rotatable arm to release the cover
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein include latch mechanisms for covers. In some examples, an electronic device has an enclosure, a cover, and a latch mechanism. The enclosure may include an opening. The latch mechanism may include a rotatable arm, a spring to bias the rotatable arm to secure the cover to the enclosure, and a cam moveable between a rest position and an engaged position. In the engaged position, the cam moves the rotatable arm to release the cover.