Lockable Shackle Lockbox with Dual Internal-External Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockboxes do not provide a mechanism to allow access to the contents while preventing the lockbox from being removed, as both locks are often externally accessible, allowing potential theft.
Innovation Solution
A lockbox design featuring an external lockbox security lock mechanism to prevent access to the interior space and a second shackle security lock mechanism inside the lockbox to prevent removal of the shackle, ensuring both locks must be opened to remove the lockbox.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single external lock is used for both accessing contents and removing the lockbox, then the device complexity is reduced, but the security is compromised as anyone who can open the lock can also remove the lockbox
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into two distinct locks: a first lock (combination lock) for accessing the interior compartment to retrieve the key, and a second lock (padlock) on the shackle for preventing lockbox removal. This segmentation ensures that even if someone opens the first lock, they cannot remove the lockbox without also opening the second lock, thereby resolving the security vulnerability of a single-lock system.
2Ease of operation
If both locks are made externally accessible, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security is worsened as picking the first lock would enable taking the lockbox
Solution Approach 1:
The first lock is positioned on the exterior of the lockbox body for easy access to the interior compartment, while the second lock is positioned on the shackle in a location that requires access to the interior compartment to reach and operate. This spatial differentiation ensures that the first lock remains easily accessible while the second lock provides the necessary security barrier, preventing lockbox removal even if the first lock is compromised.
3Reliability
If a custom-made additional lock is used for the first lock, then the security is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the first lock can be a combination lock or other readily available locking mechanism, and the second lock can be a padlock or other locking mechanism. This universality allows the use of commonly available, inexpensive components rather than requiring custom-made locks, thereby maintaining security while controlling manufacturing costs. The functional requirements are met through proper positioning and configuration of standard locks.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockbox has a body housing that includes a back portion and a front portion which together enclose an interior space for storing contents. A shackle slidingly engages with the body housing so that the shackle can slide between a lowered locked position and a raised unlocked position. A lockbox security lock mechanism is provided on an exterior surface of the body housing for locking the front portion in a closed position for preventing access into the interior space of the body housing. A shackle security lock mechanism is positioned within the interior space of the body housing for engaging the shackle for preventing the shackle from moving to the raised unlocked position until the shackle security lock mechanism is unlocked.