Magnetic Locking Module Resists Vandalism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lockboxes are vulnerable to vandalism and lack robustness, as they can be easily compromised by physical stress or magnetic manipulation, necessitating a more secure locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A locking module with a housing containing a neodymium permanent magnet and a movable magnetic locking element, operated by an engagement member with a logarithmic camming surface, which selectively decouples and couples the locking element between locked and unlocked positions, providing enhanced security and resistance to vandalism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism is used in a lockbox, then the device is simple to manufacture and operate, but it is vulnerable to vandalism and magnetic manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical locking mechanism with a magnetic field-based locking system. A magnet is positioned within the housing to engage with a magnetically responsive locking element, eliminating traditional mechanical keys, tumblers, or combinations. This substitution provides superior resistance to vandalism while maintaining operational simplicity through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, presence/absence) to control the locking state. By varying the magnetic field parameters through the magnet's position or activation, the locking element is attracted to or repelled from the magnet, transitioning between locked and unlocked states without mechanical intervention.
2Strength
If a magnetic locking mechanism is used to improve security, then resistance to physical stress is enhanced, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces stress-prone mechanical locking components with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic locking element and magnet engage through magnetic attraction forces, eliminating mechanical stress points, moving parts, and mechanical wear. This provides superior resistance to physical stress, impact, and forced entry while using a relatively simple magnetic assembly.
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 enhances the security of lockboxes by making them resistant to physical stress and magnetic manipulation, ensuring secure storage of keys and other access aids while maintaining a simplified and cost-effective configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet arranged within said housing... attracting said locking element with a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
An engagement member is rotatable about an axis to selectively decouple said locking element from said magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A locking module for selectively coupling a first component and a second component of a lockable device includes a housing and a magnet arranged within said housing. A locking element is movable relative to said housing between an unlocked position and a locked position. An engagement member is rotatable about an axis to selectively decouple said locking element from said magnet to move said locking element between said unlocked position and said locked position.