Lock Blocking Mechanism Nested Inside Inner Case

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locks can be manipulated using thin objects, compromising their security, as the blocking mechanism can be easily manipulated, allowing unauthorized changes between bolting and non-bolting conditions.

Innovation Solution

A lock design featuring a concentrically arranged follower and driver with a spring-loaded blocking mechanism inside an inner case, utilizing inclined sliding surfaces and a pivotally arranged lever arm with a hook to securely interlock the driver, making it difficult to manipulate the lock without proper rotation of the follower.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the blocking mechanism is made accessible through the lock case, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against manipulation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmanipulation vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking mechanism is nested inside an inner case that is disposed inside the lock case. The inner case contains the blocking element and spring, isolating these components from external access. This nesting structure allows the blocking mechanism to remain functional while being protected from manipulation attempts using thin objects inserted through the lock case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The inner case acts as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the blocking mechanism. It transmits the blocking function while preventing direct access to the blocking element, thus mediating between operational requirements and security requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the blocking element is easily accessible, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element and spring are nested within the inner case, which is itself nested within the lock case. This multi-level nesting protects the blocking mechanism from external manipulation while maintaining its functional integrity, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The inner case pre-establishes a protective barrier against manipulation attempts before they can reach the blocking element. This preliminary protective action prevents unauthorized access and ensures the blocking mechanism maintains its intended function reliably.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Device complexity

If the driver and follower are arranged concentrically, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidconcentric alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The driver and follower are merged into a concentric arrangement where the follower is disposed inside the driver. This combines two components into a compact radial configuration, reducing the overall structural complexity and footprint of the lock mechanism while maintaining functional independence of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design enhances security by preventing unauthorized manipulation and ensuring the bolt remains in its intended position, increasing the difficulty of tampering with the lock mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-loaded blocking element that is capable of displacement in a recess in the driver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

one of the sliding surfaces consisting of an inclined sliding surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclined plane: Inclined Plane

Data Source

PatentEP2378039B1Lock with a blocking function
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 ASSA OEM AB
  • EP2378039B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2378039B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2378039B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Presented here is a lock (1; 1') having a blocking function. The lock (1; 1') comprises a lock case (3; 3'), which lock case (3; 3') comprises a lock mechanism (11; 11'). The lock mechanism comprises a bolt (17; 17') so arranged as to adopt a bolting position (A) in which the bolt projects outwards in relation to the lock case (3; 3'), a follower (21; 21') for actuation of the bolt (17; 17'), which follower (21; 21') is rotatably arranged inside the lock case (3; 3'), and a driver (23; 23') so arranged as to transfer movement mechanically from the follower (21; 21') to the bolt (17; 17'). The driver (23; 23') is so arranged as to adopt an interlocked position (A) preventing movement of the bolt (17; 17') when the bolt (17; 17') adopts its bolting position (A), and a blocking mechanism (25; 34) is provided for blocking movement of the driver (23; 23'). The blocking mechanism (25; 34) is so arranged as to be capable of being positioned in a blocking position and a non-blocking position. The follower (21; 21') and the blocking mechanism (25; 34) have devices (21-3, 25-1; 21'-3, 37-3) for operational interaction whereby the blocking mechanism (25; 34) can be actuated by the follower (21; 21') from the blocking position (A). The driver (23; 23') has a part (23-1; 23'-1) in rotating interaction with the follower (21; 21'), which part (23-1; 23'-1) is arranged concentrically with the follower (21; 21') to permit rotation about the same shaft.