Battery Powered Keyless Locking Cap With Frictional Rotary Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyless locking systems for containers, such as those used for water, diesel fuel, and hydraulic fluid, face issues like broken or lost keys, jammed keyways, and the risk of theft due to their reliance on mechanical mechanisms, which can lead to significant economic losses and operational disruptions, especially in large fleets.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered, keyless locking cap with a frictional rotary mechanism that uses a built-in, inaccessible pin code system controlled by an onboard controller and a remote transmitter, featuring a dual-action coupler and spring-loaded components to ensure the cap remains unlocked and can be removed even if batteries fail, preventing theft and vandalism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical key-based locking system is used, then the locking function is provided, but the key can be lost, broken, or jammed in the keyway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-based locking system with an electronic keyless entry system using a remote transmitter and receiver. The locking mechanism is controlled electronically through a remote device, eliminating the need for physical keys that can be lost, broken, or jammed. The system uses electronic signals to activate the locking and unlocking functions, providing a more reliable and maintenance-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote transmitter as an intermediary device between the user and the locking mechanism. Instead of directly inserting a key into the lock, the user operates the locking system through a remote control that sends signals to the receiver integrated into the locking cap. This intermediary approach allows for keyless operation and eliminates the problems associated with physical keys.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a keyless locking system is used, then key loss and breakage are eliminated, but the system complexity increases with electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and the electronic receiver into a single integrated unit (the locking cap). The receiver is built directly into the cap housing, and the locking mechanism is mechanically integrated with the electronic control system. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the electronic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is designed to be self-contained with an integrated power source (battery) and control circuitry within the locking cap itself. The system automatically processes the remote signals and executes the locking or unlocking functions without requiring external power sources or complex control systems, making the electronic components more manageable and easier to maintain.
3Ease of operation
If the cap is designed with visible dials or unlocking mechanisms, then user operation is simplified, but security is reduced as the locking provision becomes apparent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional visible mechanical dials or keyways with a concealed electronic locking mechanism. The locking and unlocking functions are controlled through a remote transmitter, eliminating the need for visible external controls. The cap appears as a simple, smooth surface with no obvious indicators of how it is locked or unlocked, providing both security through obscurity and ease of operation through remote control.
4Ease of operation
If the cap remains unlocked by default, then ease of attachment is improved, but security is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional locking logic by designing the system to be unlocked by default and requiring an active command to lock. When the remote transmitter is activated, it sends a signal that engages the locking mechanism. This inversion provides ease of attachment (the cap is freely removable without any default locking engagement) while maintaining security through the electronic locking function that is activated only when needed.
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 solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and secure locking system that extends battery life up to five years, ensuring the cap can always be removed and preventing theft, while avoiding the drawbacks of mechanical key-based systems, such as jammed keyways and theft.
Implementation Method 1
magnets to enter a rotary entered pin code which is entered by rotating the cap past opposing field magnetically tripped switches
Implementation Method 2
opposing field magnetically tripped switches strategically placed around the perimeter of the inner and outer housing
Implementation Method 3
Attached to the lock housing lid is a spring that returns the cap to a default position
Implementation Method 4
frictional slippage allows the dowel pin to reach the end point of the slot but, lacking in sufficient torque to unscrew the cap thereby allowing the cap to only frictionally rotate about the axis of the inner housings
Implementation Method 5
An 0 ring suitably positioned between the lock housing and lower attachment housing provides enough torque to rotate the cap about 8.9 pounds of torque
Implementation Method 6
An electronic coupler consisting of an independently acting compression spring loaded coupling device is located inside the inner housing
Data Source
AI summary
Battery powered, keyless locking container cap configured securing a bayonet filler neck or threaded filler neck remaining unlocked after attachment. A timer circuit powers off placing the invention into an energy saving, mode; a compression spring forces a coupler into engagement. While engaged, the cap can be removed and replaced. Cap rotation by an unauthorized user, locks the cap. A backup, rotary pin coded lock is in the interior inaccessible. Cap rotation enters a pin code to unlock or lock the cap. The invention supplied is with a transmitter configured as a key fob or a cigarette lighter power plug. the transmitter signals the cap not to lock thereby providing removal. rotational Comprising rotary frictional slippage prevents unauthorized removal by limiting both speed and the rotational force to a level insufficient to override the attachment torque.