Interior Locking Vault Cover for Protected Utility Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vault lids are not securely lockable, exposing the lock mechanism to elements and mechanical damage, and can be easily removed.
Innovation Solution
A vault cover assembly comprising a locking cover, locking bracket, and lock, where the locking bracket is installed inside the vault with a transverse crosspiece and mounting assemblies, and the lock is secured to a locking structure on the bracket, forming an interior separator plate that prevents access to the vault's interior even if the exterior lid is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vault lid is made lockable to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but the lock mechanism becomes exposed to elements and mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is nested within the vault interior, positioned inside the locked compartment rather than on the exterior lid. This nesting arrangement protects the lock from environmental exposure and mechanical damage while maintaining its security function, as the lock remains accessible for operation when the lid is opened but is shielded when the vault is closed and locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the interior locking mechanism with shaft and cam arrangement) that mediates between the lid and the vault body. The lock shaft and cam work together as intermediary elements to transfer and maintain the locked state without requiring external exposure of the locking components.
2Ease of operation
If the lock mechanism is placed on the exterior lid for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the lock becomes vulnerable to theft and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is nested within the vault interior, positioned inside the locked compartment rather than on the exterior lid. This nesting arrangement protects the lock from environmental exposure and mechanical damage while maintaining its security function, as the lock remains accessible for operation when the lid is opened but is shielded when the vault is closed and locked.
3Shape
If the lid is set flush with ground level for aesthetic and safety reasons, then appearance and safety are improved, but secure locking becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving the locking mechanism from the two-dimensional plane of the lid surface into the third dimension of the vault interior. The lock shaft extends vertically through the lid thickness, and the cam operates within the interior space, allowing the lid exterior to remain flush while the locking action occurs in the interior dimension.
Data Source
AI summary
A vault cover assembly includes a locking cover, a locking bracket, and a lock, to form an interior separator plate between utility endpoints in a vault and the vault lid. The locking bracket is installed inside the vault, supported by mounting assemblies, and includes a crosspiece and a locking structure to which the lock locks. The locking cover is installed on, and locked to, the locking bracket and includes a cover plate with a formed hole through which the locking structure passes for locking. A locking vault system includes a vault with an interior separator plate installed.