Locking Mechanism with Force-Limiting Sensing for Secure Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle intrusion detection and prevention systems face a tradeoff between convenience of device removal and security of installation, with previous solutions either being inconveniently non-removable or vulnerable to theft, lacking a balance between ease of use and security.
Innovation Solution
A security device with a rotating mechanism that includes legs that can be selectively extended or retracted using a force-limiting mechanism, allowing for secure installation and easy removal, featuring an engagement component that can be electronically enabled or disabled, and a sensing mechanism to detect when the locking force reaches a threshold, automatically disabling the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device is made non-removable to prevent theft, then security is improved, but convenience of removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic controllable state. The engagement component can be electronically enabled or disabled, allowing the device to switch between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by providing both security when locked and convenience when unlocked through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing mechanism detects when the locking force reaches a threshold and automatically disables the locking mechanism. This feedback loop ensures the device is securely attached during normal operation but automatically becomes removable when the locking force exceeds the threshold, resolving the contradiction between security and convenience of removal.
2Ease of operation
If the device is made freely removable for easy deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a permanently fixed state to a dynamically controllable state. The electronic engagement component allows the device to be easily deployed by disabling the lock, while providing security when enabled. This resolves the contradiction by making the device both easily deployable and secure through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing mechanism provides feedback about the locking force, automatically enabling the locking mechanism when the force is within the threshold range. This ensures the device is securely attached during normal operation but can be easily removed when needed, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of deployment.
3Reliability
If the locking force is increased to prevent removal, then security is improved, but damage to the vehicle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing mechanism detects when the locking force reaches a predefined threshold and automatically disables the locking mechanism. This feedback control prevents the locking force from exceeding the threshold that would cause damage to the vehicle, resolving the contradiction between security and prevention of vehicle damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the locking force parameter based on feedback from the sensing mechanism. When the locking force approaches the damage threshold, the system automatically reduces the force by disabling the locking mechanism. This parameter control resolves the contradiction by maintaining security within safe force limits.
Data Source
AI summary
An affixable device can include a locking mechanism, a force-limiting mechanism, and a sensing mechanism. The locking mechanism can include an engagement component configured to disable the locking mechanism. The force-limiting mechanism can be configured to limit a locking force of the locking mechanism. The sensing mechanism can be coupled to the engagement component, and can be configured to determine that the force-limiting mechanism has limited the locking force of the locking mechanism. In response to determining the force-limiting mechanism limiting the locking force, the sensing mechanism can cause the engagement component to disable the locking mechanism.