Lockable Storage Device Mechanical Combination Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable storage devices like USB flash disks and mobile hard disks lack security structures, making them vulnerable to unauthorized use and data theft.
Innovation Solution
A lockable storage device with a locking mechanism that includes a stopping member, connection member, driving plate assembly, and operation member, which uses a combination lock mechanism to prevent connection to a port unless a predetermined sequence is entered, ensuring secure data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to portable storage devices, then data security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into independent functional modules: a stopping member that can be moved between locked and unlocked positions, a driving plate assembly with multiple driving plates, and a connection member. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the complex security feature to be implemented through simple, discrete components rather than a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopping member is disposed within the connector housing, and the driving plates are nested within the connector body. The connection member passes through multiple driving plates, creating a nested arrangement where components are housed within each other. This nesting reduces the overall external dimensions and minimizes the space required for the locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If a combination lock mechanism is implemented, then unauthorized access prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The driving plates are designed to rotate dynamically to different positions, allowing the connection member to align with through holes in sequence. The stopping member moves dynamically between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic operation enables a combination lock function where the user rotates each driving plate to a specific position before final unlocking, providing secure access control while maintaining simple manual operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable storage device includes a main body defining a connector; and a locking mechanism including a stopping member and a driving plate assembly. The connector defines a receiving space for receiving a port, the stopping member is movable in the receiving space. The driving plate assembly includes a number of driving plates marked with numbers. When a combination of numbers, formed by surfaces which are on a same plane, is different from a predetermined number sequence, the storage device is locked, when the combination of numbers formed by the surfaces is the same as the predetermined number sequence, the storage device is unlocked.