Motorized Locking Cam Mechanism for Shackle Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locks with shackles are not secure and lack integration with wireless technologies for remote access and monitoring, making them vulnerable to malicious opening and difficult to secure effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lock apparatus that deploys locking pins retained by a rotating blocking cam, actuated by a motor, which secures the pins within compatibly-shaped cutouts in the shackle, enhancing security and allowing integration with wireless technologies for remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional shackle lock is used, then the structure is simple, but the security is insufficient and vulnerable to manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking pins (at least two pins) that can be individually controlled by the rotating cam. Each pin independently secures the shackle in the locked position, creating multiple security barriers that must all be overcome simultaneously, thereby enhancing security while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotating cam mechanism that dynamically controls the position of locking pins. The cam rotates between locked and unlocked positions, actively moving the pins to engage or disengage from the shackle. This dynamic mechanism transforms a static lock into an active security system that can respond to access commands, improving reliability through controlled movement rather than relying solely on passive structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional locks are used, then the structure is simple, but integration with wireless technologies is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls the locking pins for security, can be actuated by various input methods (manual key, motor, wireless signal), and provides a unified interface for different actuation modes. This multi-functionality allows the same mechanical structure to support both traditional key-based operation and modern wireless integration, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional purely mechanical key-operated mechanisms with an actuating mechanism that can be driven by motors or wireless signals. The rotating cam remains mechanical but is now controllable through electrical or wireless means, substituting manual key manipulation with automated actuation. This allows seamless integration with wireless technologies while maintaining the proven reliability of mechanical locking action.
3Reliability
If locking pins are used without a rotating cam, then the structure is simpler, but the security against malicious opening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pins are pre-positioned in a ready state, held by the rotating cam in the locked position. When the cam rotates to the unlocked position, the pins are already in place and simply need to be withdrawn. This preliminary positioning of the pins by the cam mechanism ensures they are correctly aligned and secured before the actual locking action, enhancing security against manipulation while avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating cam acts as an intermediary between the actuating mechanism and the locking pins. Instead of directly moving the pins or requiring complex linkages, the cam translates rotational motion into the appropriate pin positioning and locking action. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall structure while providing secure, controlled locking, as the cam's geometry naturally guides the pins into their locked positions without requiring additional complex components.
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 lock apparatus provides enhanced security by preventing the shackle from opening maliciously and enables remote monitoring and access through wireless integration, addressing the vulnerabilities of conventional locks.
Implementation Method 1
a motor that rotates the blocking cam, thereby forcing the locking pins into and holding the locking pins in compatibly-shaped cutouts in the shackle
Implementation Method 2
the blocking cam is actuated by a motor that rotates the blocking cam, thereby forcing the locking pins into and holding the locking pins in compatibly-shaped cutouts in the shackle
Data Source
AI summary
Moto-controlled lock apparatus/mechanism that deploys locking pins to retain the shackle when the lock apparatus/mechanism is in the closed position. Generally, when the lock apparatus/mechanism is in the closed position, the locking pins are prevented from moving by a blocking cam. In various embodiments, the blocking cam is actuated by a motor that rotates the blocking cam, thereby forcing the locking pins into and holding the locking pins in compatibly-shaped cutouts in the shackle.