Multi-Point Locking Mechanism Resists Prying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bolt-action locking mechanisms are susceptible to security breaches through prying or wedging, where a wedge is used to create a gap between the door and the door frame, allowing unauthorized access despite the locking mechanism being in a locked position.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with multiple points of engagement, utilizing first and second cams that rotate to provide a levering action, securing the door to the door frame with hooks and a foot, preventing the door from being pried open, and incorporating an auto-detent mechanism for automatic transition between engaged and disengaged positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking bolt is used, then the locking mechanism is simple, but it is vulnerable to prying and wedging attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking bolts (first locking bolt and second locking bolt) that engage with the door frame at different locations. This segmentation ensures that if one bolt is compromised, the other remains functional, thereby improving security against prying and wedging attacks without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bolts are positioned at different spatial locations and orientations relative to the door frame, creating a multi-dimensional locking configuration. This dimensional distribution makes it difficult for a single prying force to compromise all locking points simultaneously, enhancing security while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If multiple locking bolts are used to prevent prying, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking bolts are integrated into a unified locking mechanism system that operates through a single control interface. The first and second locking bolts work together as a coordinated system, where the actuation mechanism controls both bolts simultaneously, thereby providing enhanced security without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides primary locking through the locking bolts, anti-prying protection through the distributed bolt configuration, and automatic engagement through the detent mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high reliability without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
3Device complexity
If manual engagement of locking bolts is used, then the mechanism is simple, but it requires additional restraints to maintain secure position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a detent mechanism that automatically engages with the locking bolts to maintain them in the locked position. When the locking bolts are actuated into the engaged position, the detent mechanism self-activates to provide mechanical retention, eliminating the need for additional restraints or continuous manual pressure to maintain the secure position.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the locking bolts as they move into the engaged position. This preliminary positioning ensures that the locking bolts are immediately secured upon engagement, providing automatic retention without requiring additional operational steps or external restraints.
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
Effectively thwarts prying and wedging attempts by ensuring multiple engagement points that are difficult to overcome, enhancing the security of the door or entry point and maintaining the locking mechanism's secure position without additional restraints.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing first and second cams that rotate to provide a levering action, securing the door to the door frame
Implementation Method 2
incorporating an auto-detent mechanism for automatic transition between engaged and disengaged positions
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism suitable for use with a door or other entry point is contemplated. The locking mechanism may include cams, levers or other features operable to facilitate securing the door against prying, wedging and related techniques intended to compromise secure by physically separating the door from a door frame or other support structure.