Lock Rotary Unit Anti-Tamper Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locks with rotary units can be manipulated into a locked or unlocked state without authorization, allowing unauthorized access by manipulating the stop element, which is held in place by a frictional connection that can be compromised.

Innovation Solution

A blocking element is introduced that interacts with the locking mechanism to block the mobility of the stop element when the locking element is in the protruding position and releases it when in the retracted position, ensuring the stop element can only be moved by authorized key access, using a form-fitting engagement and a spring element for secure holding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the stop element is held in place by a frictional connection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the security against manipulation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidsecurity against manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: the stop element (13) for blocking the rotary unit, the locking element (15) for securing the stop element, and the selector element (14) for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to have a specialized function, improving security without requiring overall system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element (15) is pre-positioned to engage with the stop element (13) before any manipulation can occur. The stop element is held in a predefined secure position by the locking element, preventing unauthorized movement before the manipulative action can take place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the stop element can be moved by manual actuation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against unauthorized access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual actuationVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element (15) acts as an intermediary between the selector element (14) and the stop element (13). When the selector element is actuated, it moves the locking element, which in turn moves the stop element. This intermediary mechanism ensures that manual actuation can only occur when the locking element is in the appropriate position, preventing unauthorized direct manipulation of the stop element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static friction-based holding mechanism to a dynamic multi-position system. The locking element can assume different positions (engaged with stop element, disengaged, etc.), and the stop element can move between locked and unlocked positions only through the controlled sequence of operations involving both the locking element and selector element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enhances security by preventing unauthorized manipulation of the rotary unit's state, ensuring the stop element remains locked or released only through authorized key access, providing increased protection against unauthorized use.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element for secure holding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2738324B1Lock with a releasable rotating unit
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • EP2738324B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2738324B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2738324B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The lock (1) has a stop element (13) engagement with a rotary unit (12) to block rotation of the rotary unit. The stop element is engaged with a close mechanism out of engagement of the rotary unit by an active compound. A locking element (15) is cooperated with a part of the close mechanism such that the locking element locks mobility of the stop element when the locking element is moved to a protruding position, and the locking element releases mobility of the stop element when the locking element is displaced into withdrawn position.