Retained Meter Seal Lock Assembly for Keyless Reengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock systems for utility service enclosures, such as meter sealing rings, require multiple components to be handled simultaneously during installation and removal, and often necessitate the use of keys for reengagement, leading to operator inconvenience and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly with a retaining sleeve that includes an aperture, radial groove, captive shoulder, and retaining flange, allowing the lock to be preloaded and retained on the sealing ring without a key, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement without separating from the ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional separate lock system is used for meter sealing rings, then the lock can be engaged into the sealing ring, but the lock separates from the apertures or confines of the sealing ring when removed, forcing the installer to handle multiple components simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining sleeve merges the lock and retaining functions into a single integrated component. The lock is permanently retained to the sealing ring through the retaining sleeve, eliminating the need to handle separate lock and retaining components during installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining sleeve is inserted through the lock shaft and permanently retained therein, creating a nested structure where the retaining sleeve contains the lock. This nested arrangement ensures the lock remains captured within the sealing ring apertures during removal while still allowing engagement.
2Reliability
If a key is required to reengage the lock, then the lock can be securely reengaged, but operator inconvenience increases and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining sleeve automatically retains the lock to the sealing ring through its permanent retention mechanism, eliminating the need for key-based reengagement. The system serves itself by maintaining the lock in position through the retaining sleeve's structural design rather than requiring external key intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lock is handled as a separate component, then the lock can be engaged into the sealing ring, but the need to handle multiple components simultaneously increases installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining sleeve combines the lock and retaining functions into a single integrated component assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components that must be handled during installation, while maintaining the adaptability of the locking mechanism to the sealing ring apertures.
4Ease of operation
If the lock is not retained to the sealing ring, then the lock can be freely engaged and disengaged, but accidental removal occurs and the lock separates from the sealing ring
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining sleeve is permanently retained to the lock shaft before the lock is engaged into the sealing ring. This preliminary retention action ensures the lock remains captured within the sealing ring apertures during removal, preventing accidental separation while maintaining operational accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for securing first and second ends of a meter sealing ring, the meter sealing ring adapted for use in installing a meter to a watthour meter box. The apparatus comprises a lock having a head member and a shank portion comprising moveable locking members, the shank portion being insertable through an aperture formed in the first end of the sealing ring. The apparatus further comprises at least a retaining sleeve adapted to capture the shank portion, wherein the lock is retained on the first end of the sealing ring.