Keyless Door Lock System for Cargo Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cargo vehicles often lack internal door locking mechanisms, making it impractical to secure doors across jurisdictional borders or when accessed by different operational entities, as keyed locks require coordinated key control and are time-consuming to manage.
Innovation Solution
A door lock system comprising a first latch assembly, a second latch assembly, and a clamp member with a tamper-resistant tool aperture, where the clamp member's elongate shaft is threaded into the latch assemblies to secure the door members together, providing a secure and efficient locking mechanism without the need for keyed locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If keyed locks or padlocks are used to secure door panels, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to key coordination requirements and time-consuming locking/unlocking processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the key coordination requirement from the locking system by using a keyless latch mechanism. The first and second latches engage directly with each other through the door panel thickness, eliminating the need for keyed locks or padlocks that require key distribution and coordination among multiple operational entities.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system is self-servicing in that the first latch on one door panel automatically engages with the second latch on the adjacent door panel when the doors are closed together. The springs automatically bias the latches into engaged or disengaged positions based on door closure, eliminating the need for manual key-based locking operations.
2Reliability
If padlocks are used to secure door panels, then security is improved, but time consumption increases due to the difficulty of ensuring key availability and the time required to cut and replace padlocks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the time-consuming key coordination and padlock replacement processes by implementing an automatic latch system. The latches engage instantly when doors are closed and can be released quickly by opening the doors, eliminating the time required to coordinate keys or cut and replace padlocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The springs are pre-loaded to automatically bias the latches into the engaged position when the doors are closed, and into the disengaged position when opened. This preliminary mechanical action eliminates the need for time-consuming manual locking and unlocking operations.
3Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are installed, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for key management systems and multiple locking components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking function directly into the door panel structure itself. The first and second latches are integrated into the door panels and work together as a unified system, eliminating the need for separate keyed locks, padlocks, and key management infrastructure that would increase system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system serves multiple functions: it provides security through automatic engagement, enables quick access by simply opening the doors, and eliminates the need for key distribution and management. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to traditional keyed locking systems.
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 system effectively secures vehicle doors without the need for coordinated key control, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional locking methods and preventing unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
The first latch assembly includes a first latch member defining a threaded aperture... The second end of the shaft is threaded for screwing into the threaded aperture of the first latch member
Data Source
AI summary
A door lock system and method includes a first latch member defining a threaded aperture and configured for attachment to a first door member, a second latch member having a slot and configured for attachment to a second door member, and a clamp member having an elongate shaft, a flange attached to a first end of the shaft, and a threaded, second end configured to be screwed into the threaded aperture; one end of the shaft defines a tool aperture. An end region adjacent the first end of the shaft is configured to be disposed through the slot. When a tool is used to rotate the shaft relative to the threaded aperture to move the flange towards the second latch member, the flange comes into abutment with the second latch member to connect the shaft and latch members together for securing the door members.