Lockable Latch Handle Assembly with Padlock Security

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional locking mechanisms in truck tool boxes, such as key cylinders, are not robust and can be easily defeated, leading to unauthorized access and theft of valuable tools and equipment, as no additional security measures are typically provided.

Innovation Solution

A latch handle assembly that includes a padlock to secure the latch handle to the front wall of the truck box, preventing movement of the latch handle and thus the box lid, even if the key cylinder is compromised, by aligning a shackle through a slot or central opening in the latch handle and shelf, locking it in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a key cylinder is used for locking the latch handle, then the enclosure can be unlocked conveniently, but the security against determined entry attempts is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of unlockingVSAvoidsecurity against entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is segmented into two independent parts: a key cylinder for convenient unlocking and a padlock for enhanced security. The padlock with shackle separately secures the latch handle to the face plate, creating layered security where each component performs a specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism combines two different security approaches (key-based and padlock-based) into a composite system. The latch handle assembly integrates both the key cylinder and padlock-secured latch handle, creating a hybrid security system that leverages the advantages of both methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If only a key cylinder is provided for locking, then the device complexity is low, but the protection level against theft is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of locking componentsVSAvoidprotection level

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is segmented into two independent parts: a key cylinder for convenient unlocking and a padlock for enhanced security. The padlock with shackle separately secures the latch handle to the face plate, creating layered security where each component performs a specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the latch handle is made secure with a padlock, then the security against unwanted entry is improved, but the ease of operation for authorized users increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against unwanted entryVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is segmented into two independent parts: a key cylinder for convenient unlocking and a padlock for enhanced security. The padlock with shackle separately secures the latch handle to the face plate, creating layered security where each component performs a specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11085206B2Lockable latch handle assembly

Publication Date: 2021.08.10 WERNER CO

AI summary

A lockable latch handle assembly for enclosures such as truck tool boxes comprises the combination of a key cylinder, and a latch handle that may be secured by a padlock to the front wall of the box, to collectively prevent opening of latches that secure the lid of the box in a closed position.