OBD Connector Safety Box with Magnetic Ball Lock
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-theft devices for vehicles fail to provide effective and easy-to-install protection for the OBD connector, which is vulnerable to unauthorized access during theft attempts.
Innovation Solution
A safety box with a cover that uses a unique interlocking system with balls and a cam mechanism, combined with a magnetic attraction, to securely house and protect the OBD connector, preventing unauthorized access by firmly locking the cover to the armored body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple lock mechanism is used for the OBD connector protection, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of protection against theft attempts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system uses dynamic elements (balls that can move between locked and unlocked positions) rather than static mechanisms. The balls are forced into engagement positions by spring pressure and can be released by rotating the cover, providing reliable locking that adapts to the opening/closing motion of the cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent ball elements distributed around the cylindrical cover's circumference. Each ball operates independently in its own radial hole, allowing the system to maintain reliability even if one ball fails, while keeping individual components simple and easy to manufacture.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism with multiple balls is used, then the reliability of protection is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of manufacture increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking balls are automatically positioned into the locked state simply by closing the cover, which forces the balls outward against spring pressure into engagement with the cover. The system self-locks without requiring manual intervention or complex actuation mechanisms, making it easy to manufacture while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical locking systems (such as multiple lugs, levers, or cam mechanisms) with a simpler spring-loaded ball system. The balls are guided by radial holes and forced into position by spring pressure, eliminating the need for intricate mechanical linkages while achieving reliable locking.
3Ease of operation
If the lock is made easily accessible for operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against tampering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates in a different dimension than traditional locks. Instead of requiring insertion and rotation of a key in a keyed cylinder, this system uses the radial dimension - balls move radially outward from the cylinder wall to engage the cover. The cover itself, when rotated, acts as the releasing mechanism, combining ease of operation with tamper resistance.
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 effectively deters theft by ensuring the cover remains locked even if the lock is tampered with, providing a robust and easy-to-install protection mechanism for the OBD connector.
Implementation Method 1
the cam and the balls are constrained together by a force of magnetic attraction, which always keeps the balls in constant contact with the cam
Data Source
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Figure 14~15
AI summary
A burglar-proof container device which is installable and fixable inside vehicles for the protection of the OBD (on-board diagnostics) connector, of the type comprising a hollow box-like body (S) with a removable closing cover (C), wherein said cover (C) is provided with a tubular cylinder (5) containing a lock (6) for operating a cam (8) and ball (2) closure system, configured to cooperate with interlocking tooth and ball-locking channel elements (1) arranged at the bottom (F) of said hollow body (S). A housing for an OBD connector, as well as an opening (3) for the cables of the same connector to pass towards the exterior are also provided inside said hollow body (S). Said cam (8) is operatively connected to each ball (2) associated thereto, by means of forces of magnetic attraction, while the remaining parts of the device are made of diamagnetic material.