Spring-Loaded Locking Pin Mechanism for Transit Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for securing goods in transit are inadequate in preventing unauthorized access and theft, as they lack effective deterrents against removal and rotation of locking components.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism featuring a spring-loaded member with a locking pin and a threaded surface that engages a threaded key, allowing for disengagement through rotational motion, combined with a cuff on the first nut to limit unauthorized access, and a shank with varying thread sections to discourage removal, enhancing security by locking the nuts relative to each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism uses a spring-loaded locking pin that can be easily retracted by a key, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second nut is nested within the cuff of the first nut, creating a layered protective structure. The cuff acts as an outer protective layer that limits access to the inner second nut, which contains the critical locking mechanism. This nesting approach allows the locking pin to remain easily operable while the nested structure provides security against unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two separate nuts: the first nut with the cuff that provides security/limiting access, and the second nut that contains the locking pin mechanism for easy operation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function - the first nut in protection and the second in operation - resolving the contradiction between security and ease of use.
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism allows free rotation and removal of the shank, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the locking mechanism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guides on the locking pin are designed in advance to prevent rotation around the long axis. This preliminary anti-rotation feature is built into the locking pin structure itself, ensuring that once the pin is engaged, automatic prevention of rotational movement occurs without requiring additional user action or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The guides create an asymmetric geometry on the locking pin that prevents symmetric rotation. The guides are positioned and shaped asymmetrically relative to the pin's axis, creating mechanical interference that blocks rotational movement while allowing linear engagement and disengagement motions.
3Ease of operation
If the second nut is fully exposed and accessible, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against unauthorized removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second nut is nested within the cuff of the first nut, creating a protective outer layer. The cuff's internal dimensions are designed to receive and partially enclose the second nut, physically limiting access paths while maintaining operational accessibility through the designed interface between the two nested components.
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
The solution effectively prevents unauthorized access and removal of the locking mechanism by ensuring the locking pin disengages securely and the nuts are locked in place, thereby enhancing the security of goods in transit.
Implementation Method 1
the body and the locking pin being biased to an engaged position by a spring
Implementation Method 2
the key being configured to retract the locking pin through translation of torque and rotational motion on the key by a user into a linear force on the spring loaded member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A locking mechanism 10 comprising a spring loaded member 11 having a body 12 and a locking pin 14 which is configured to engage an aperture 18 defined by s surface 19. The locking pin 14 Is biased to an engaged position by a spring and the locking mechanism includes a key which Is configured to retract the locking pin 14 through translation of torque and rotational motion on the key 34 by a user Into a linear force on the spring loaded member 11, The action of the key 34 caused said locking pin 14 to disengage from the aperture 18 defined fay the surface 19 and to remain In a disengaged position while the key 34 is engaged with the threaded surface of the body 12.