Lock Box Cap and Cable Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock boxes are inconvenient to use because the cap and cable must be locked or unlocked simultaneously, which can be cumbersome and impractical for securing items like hotel room keys or cards.
Innovation Solution
A lock box design featuring a cap with a fixing part, socket, and restricting device allows for independent locking and unlocking of the cap and cable, enabling users to selectively secure or release the cable without synchronizing the cap's position with the lock body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap and cable are locked or unlocked simultaneously in conventional lock boxes, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent subsystems: one for locking the cap to the box body and another for locking the cable to the cap. This allows the cap and cable to be locked or unlocked independently, improving ease of operation without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap serves as an intermediary element between the box body and the cable. The cable locking mechanism is coupled to the cap rather than directly to the box body, enabling independent control of cable locking while the cap remains attached to the box.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cap and cable are locked or unlocked simultaneously, then the locking mechanism is straightforward, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into independent modules that can operate separately, allowing different combinations of locked/unlocked states (cap locked with cable unlocked, cap unlocked with cable locked, both locked, or both unlocked), thereby enhancing adaptability to various usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static, synchronized locking system to a dynamic system where the cap and cable locking states can be independently adjusted, providing greater flexibility and adaptability for different operational requirements.
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
This design enhances convenience by allowing users to lock or unlock the cap and cable separately, improving usability and flexibility in securing items without the need for simultaneous operation.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is disposed between the block and the inner wall of the cap
Data Source
AI summary
The lock box includes a box, a cap, and a cable. The box includes a box opening, a lock hole, and a lock body. The cap includes a cap fixing part, a cap socket, and a restricting device. The cap fixing part is able to extend into the lock hole and be locked by the lock body when the cap covers the box opening. The restricting device has a lifting lever. One end of the cable has a cable fixing part. The cable fixing part can be inserted into the cap socket with its movement being restricted by the restricting device. A user can apply a force on the lifting lever to release the restriction on the movement of the cable fixing part by the restricting device when the cap doesn't cover the box opening.