Locking Device Blocking Mechanism Resists Forced Opening

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices can be vulnerable to forced opening, tampering, and knocking, as they may allow displacement of locking elements through external forces or sequences of blows, and can be circumvented using thin objects.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with a blocking mechanism comprising pivotable links connected via an elongated guide and a sliding element, which restricts motion and transfers kinetic energy to control the locking mechanism, preventing displacement by external forces and enhancing security against tampering and knocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional locking mechanism with a locking element (bolt) is used, then the locking device can be operated easily with a key or code, but the locking element can be displaced by external forces (forcing, knocking, or insertion of thin objects) to open the lock without proper authentication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidresistance to forced opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary blocking mechanism between the operating mechanism and the locking element. This blocking mechanism includes a blocking element that can move between a blocking position (preventing displacement of the locking element) and a non-blocking position (allowing normal operation). The blocking element acts as a mediator that controls whether the locking element can be moved, thereby preventing forced opening while maintaining ease of legitimate operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The blocking element can transition between blocked and non-blocked states based on the operational state of the locking device. During normal operation, the blocking element moves to allow motion; during forced attack attempts, it engages to prevent displacement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and resistance to forcing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the locking mechanism allows movement of the locking element for normal unlocking operations, then the lock can be opened with a key or code, but the same movement freedom allows the locking element to be displaced by external forces during forcing or knocking attacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking functionalityVSAvoidvulnerability to external forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element serves as an intermediary that selectively controls the movement of the locking element. It allows movement during legitimate unlocking operations (when activated by key or code through the operating mechanism) but prevents movement during forced attacks. This intermediary control mechanism enables the lock to maintain its unlocking functionality while protecting against harmful external forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the blocking element to prevent forced displacement before such displacement can occur. During forcing or knocking attacks, the blocking element is already in place to counteract external forces attempting to move the locking element, thereby neutralizing the harmful effect before it can compromise the lock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Device complexity

If a simple locking mechanism without additional blocking components is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the locking element can be moved by insertion of thin objects or sequences of blows to circumvent the need for a key

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidsecurity against tampering
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: the operating mechanism (for key/code operation), the locking mechanism (containing the locking element), and the blocking mechanism (with the blocking element). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently. The blocking mechanism is added as a separate segment to enhance security without fundamentally redesigning the entire locking device, thus maintaining reasonable structural simplicity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the operating mechanism and the locking element. This additional component prevents tampering by thin objects and knocking attacks while allowing normal operation. Although it increases device complexity slightly, the blocking element is a relatively simple component that can be integrated into existing locking device architectures, providing enhanced security without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2582899B1Locking device comprising rotating links and guide with sliding element
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 STENDALS ELEKTRISKA AB
  • EP2582899B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1e
  • EP2582899B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking device for restricting or admitting access into an area or space, wherein the locking device comprises a locking mechanism arranged to move at least one locking element between a locked state, and an unlocked state, which locking mechanism is adapted to be connected with and to receive the motion for the movement from an operating mechanism arranged to control and to provide the motion for the movement.