Lock Mechanism With Actuated Arms For Fastener Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing item storage devices lack effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and tampering while maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the receptacle and fastener.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism with movable arms obstructing the slot, a rotating member, and an actuator that switches between positions to lock or unlock the puller, combined with user-specific identification means, provides resistance to forced opening and ensures secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple fastener closure is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent arms (first arm member, second arm member) that can selectively obstruct the slot. Each arm can be independently positioned to either block or allow puller movement, providing both security when locked and ease of operation when unlocked through the actuator control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary component that mediates between the user and the locking arms. It selectively positions the arms to either obstruct or clear the slot, enabling secure locking when engaged and easy unlocking when activated by user-specific identification, thus resolving the contradiction between security and operational ease.
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism with movable arms is added, then security against forced opening is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple arm members (first and second arms) are merged into a single integrated locking system controlled by one actuator. This combination provides enhanced security through multiple obstructing elements while maintaining manageable complexity through unified control, as all arms are selectively positioned by the single actuator mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator performs multiple functions: it selectively positions both the first and second arm members, controls the locking and unlocking states, and responds to user-specific identification. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using a single component to manage what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms.
3Reliability
If user-specific identification means are integrated, then access control security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism performs self-service by automatically selecting the position of the arm members based on the user-specific identification input. Once the authorized user provides the correct identification, the actuator autonomously positions the arms to clear the slot for opening, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of multiple locking components and maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
Aspects of embodiments pertain to a lock mechanism for at least one puller-equipped fastener, the lock mechanism comprising a frame having at least one slot, each of the at least one slot comprising an opening and a closed end; at least one actuator affixed to the frame; at least one arm operationally coupled to each actuator, and at least one rotating member operationally coupled to each actuator and to the at least one arm coupled thereto; wherein each arm obstructs one of the at least one slot adjacent to the opening when the actuator coupled thereto is in a first state, and unblocks the slot when the actuator coupled thereto is in a second state, and wherein each at least one rotating member is selectively switchable by the actuator coupled thereto between a first position when the actuator is in the first state and a second position when the actuator is in the second state, and wherein the lock mechanism is configured to allow each at least one rotating member in the first position to counterpoise force enacted on the at least one arm coupled thereto to unblock the slot, and in the second position to allow each at least one arm coupled thereto to unblock the slot.