Meter Socket Box Locking Ring for Multi-Level Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locking and fastening systems for utility service enclosures, such as meter boxes, often require separate devices for lower and higher security applications, lacking a dual solution that efficiently accommodates both fastening and locking functions while providing tamper-evident features and being cost-effective with fewer parts.
Innovation Solution
A dual fastening and locking apparatus comprising a primary connector with a connective member and receiver member, and a secondary locking member, which can be configured for various security levels by using different materials and locking mechanisms, such as plunger locks or barrel locks, to secure utility service enclosures with coaxial alignment and interconnection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking devices are used for lower and higher security applications, then security levels can be met, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver member is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of locking devices (threaded fasteners, barrel locks, plunger locks) through a single standardized mounting structure. The receiver member includes a mounting surface with threaded holes and a cavity that can receive different locking mechanisms, allowing one device to serve multiple security levels and applications.
2Reliability
If multiple separate locking devices are maintained in inventory, then different security requirements can be met, but inventory complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized receiver member design allows utility companies to maintain a simplified inventory where one type of receiver component can work with multiple locking device variants. This universal interface reduces the need to stock multiple specialized receiver types for different security levels, as the same receiver can accommodate threaded fasteners, barrel locks, or plunger locks as needed.
3Device complexity
If a single apparatus accommodates both fastening and locking functions, then component complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different security levels must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The locking apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: a receiver member that provides standardized mounting, various locking devices that can be interchanged, and seal components. This segmentation allows the system to maintain complexity reduction through integration while preserving adaptability, as different locking devices can be selected and installed on the same receiver based on security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic adaptability through the ability to interchange different locking devices on the same receiver member. The receiver is designed with features that can accommodate both permanent threaded fasteners and removable locking mechanisms, allowing the security level to be adjusted or changed based on application requirements without replacing the entire apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a box cover to a watthour meter socket box and relates to an apparatus, a system and method including a ring comprising an annular body portion and further comprising first and second tab members and a connective member disposed on the first tab member. The connective member comprises a fastening member comprising a fastener body portion forming a head section and a shaft section. The shaft section forms an open end, and the fastener body portion comprises a fastener interior surface defining a cavity extending axially from the open end and into at least the shaft section, and wherein the exterior surface of the shaft section forms a thread member. A receiver member is disposed on the second tab member, wherein the receiver member comprises an interior surface defining a receiving groove adapted to threadably receive the thread member of the shaft section, the first and second tab members being securable by the connective member and receiver member, and wherein the interior surface of the receiver member is configured for receiving a locking member, and the fastener interior surface is configured for interconnection with the locking member.