Meter Socket Locking Ring with Continuous Bore
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for meter socket boxes have gaps or seams that allow barrel locks to be tampered with and removed, and they often involve complex and time-consuming manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A locking ring apparatus with a retaining member having a continuous radial bore and recess to securely retain a barrel lock, featuring a ring fastener and housing for improved lock retention, and a method for securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box using a ring with flanges and a retaining member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a lock retainer structure with a radially continuous opening is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but lock security deteriorates due to gaps or seams allowing tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the lock retainer structure inside the lockable sealing ring, creating a nested configuration where the retainer is housed within the ring structure. This allows the retainer to have a radially continuous opening for easy manufacturing while the outer ring provides the secure enclosure that prevents tampering through gaps or seams.
2Reliability
If a complex manufacturing process is used for the lock retainer structure, then lock security is improved, but manufacturing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking system into distinct components: a lock retainer structure and a lockable sealing ring. This segmentation allows the retainer to be manufactured with a simple radially continuous opening using basic processes, while the overall security is achieved through the combination of components rather than complex features in a single part.
3Ease of manufacture
If a radially continuous opening is provided in the lock retainer structure, then ease of manufacture is improved, but lock retention reliability deteriorates due to potential gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the lockable sealing ring as an intermediary element that mediates between the radially continuous opening in the retainer and the security requirements. The ring acts as an outer enclosure that compensates for the simplicity of the retainer's opening, providing the necessary security while allowing the retainer to be easily manufactured.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box. In certain embodiments, the method comprises providing a ring comprising an annular body portion having a split forming first and second ends of the annular body portion, the ring having a central axis, and further disposing at least a first flange on the first end of the annular body portion. The method further comprises disposing a retaining member on the first flange, the retaining member having a central axis generally parallel to the central axis of the ring. The retaining member, in some embodiments, comprises a body defining a bore, wherein the radial cross section is continuous in at least a portion of the bore. The method further comprises providing a housing wherein at least a portion of the housing comprises a receiver element adapted to receive a barrel lock.