Lockout Box with Integrated Work Permit Holder to Prevent Misplacement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing lockout boxes do not ensure that the work permit is always available and secure, risking misplacement or loss, which can lead to unintended cancellation of safety measures during group exclusions.

Innovation Solution

A lock box design with a pivotably attached front flap that includes a transparent panel for securely holding a work permit, ensuring it is always accessible and visible, while being protected from access until the work is completed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the work permit is kept outside the lockout box, then it is easily accessible, but it risks being misplaced or lost which can lead to unintended cancellation of safety measures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework permit availabilityVSAvoidwork permit accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the work permit storage function with the lockout box structure by providing a dedicated receptacle within the flap assembly. This merging ensures the work permit is always kept with the locking mechanism, eliminating the risk of misplacement while maintaining secure storage during lockout operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The work permit receptacle is nested within the flap assembly structure, creating a compact integrated solution. The receptacle is positioned between the front panel and the flap body, allowing the work permit to be stored securely within the overall lockout box structure without adding external complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the front panel is made fully transparent, then the work permit is clearly visible, but the security and protection of the permit is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework permit visibilityVSAvoidunauthorized access protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The front panel is made partially transparent rather than fully transparent, creating a balance between visibility and protection. This local quality adjustment allows the work permit to be visible for identification purposes while maintaining sufficient opacity to deter unauthorized access and protect the security of the locked container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 work permit is kept secure and always accessible, preventing its misplacement and ensuring that safety measures are not inadvertently revoked, enhancing security by maintaining a clear and protected location for the permit within the lock box.

Implementation Method 1

a front flap (29) pivotably mounted on the container (13), in particular by means of a pivot joint, in particular at least one hinge (31)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3789163B1Lockout box
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 ABUS AUGUST BREMICKER SOEHNE KG
  • EP3789163B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3789163B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3789163B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking box for enclosing objects, in particular keys, comprising a container with a forward-opening receiving chamber for the objects, and a front flap pivotably mounted on the container and adjustable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the receiving chamber is closed in the closed position and open in the open position, wherein the container has several locking openings for attaching locking elements, in particular padlocks, to secure the front flap to the container in the closed position, and wherein the front flap has a front panel that is at least partially transparent, wherein in the open position an information carrier, in particular a work permit, in particular designed as a sheet of paper, is visible.which can be inserted behind the front panel into the front flap or attached behind the front panel to the front flap, and wherein removal of the information carrier is prevented in the closed position.