Padlock Mount with Saddle and Cavity for Container Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current container designs that provide a location for mounting a padlock expose the lock to damage and allow excessive movement, leading to potential damage from external forces, compromising security.
Innovation Solution
A padlock mount with a saddle and cavity design that restricts the padlock's movement, incorporating a saddle adjacent to holes for the shackle and a receptacle with opposing sidewalls to limit rotational movement, protecting the padlock from external forces and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a padlock is mounted on the container using current designs, then the container can be locked for restricted access, but the padlock is exposed to abuse and external forces causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a padlock mount as an intermediary component between the padlock and the container. This mount includes a body with a cavity that receives the padlock, and a flange with holes that align with container flanges. The intermediary structure protects the padlock from direct exposure to external forces while maintaining the security function.
Solution Approach 2:
The padlock mount cavity is designed to cushion and absorb external forces before they reach the padlock. The cavity structure provides a buffer zone that prevents direct impact on the padlock, thereby protecting it from damage caused by handling forces or external abuse.
2Reliability
If the padlock is mounted on the container, then the lid can be locked against the container body, but the padlock can move through a large range of motion allowing catastrophic damage
Solution Approach 1:
The padlock mount introduces different structural qualities at different locations: the cavity provides a confined space with specific dimensional constraints for the padlock body, while the flange with holes provides a separate interface for the shackle. This localized structural differentiation restricts padlock movement while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the mounting structure by introducing a cavity with specific dimensions and a flange with positioned holes. These parameter changes create a constrained environment for the padlock, limiting its range of motion to minimal acceptable levels while preserving security functionality.
3Reliability
If separate removable padlock is used with aligned holes in flanges, then the lid can be securely locked, but the padlock structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the padlock mounting function with the container flange structure. The padlock mount flange is designed to align with and integrate into the existing container flanges, combining multiple functions (padlock mounting, alignment, and structural integration) into a single component that reduces overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved mount for receiving a padlock to securely enclose a case includes a pair of aligned holes and aligned indentations formed in the lid and the container body. The padlock mount includes a saddle formed between one of the holes and indentations, with a peripheral sidewall to restrict rotational movement of a padlock shackle. A padlock receptacle receives the padlock body in a recessed area to protect it against damage and restrict movement.