Receptacle locking device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for collection receptacles, such as mailboxes, often lack effective mechanisms to securely prevent access, as they are not easily lockable, leading to unauthorized deposit or removal of items.
Innovation Solution
A locking device comprising a frame with pivotable locking arms and a sliding sleeve, which aligns with a lock to prevent movement, combined with bumpers for a secure friction fit, ensuring the device can be removably attached to the receptacle and securely locked with a standard lock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is added to secure the receptacle, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into separate functional components: locking arms for engagement, a sliding sleeve for positioning and alignment, and a contact arm for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sleeve is designed to slide over and partially surround the locking arms, creating a nested configuration. The sleeve contains alignment features (throughholes) that work with corresponding features on the locking arms, providing secure engagement while maintaining a compact structure that doesn't significantly increase device complexity.
2Reliability
If a robust locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sleeve combines multiple functions into a single component: it positions the locking arms, provides alignment through its throughholes, and works with the contact arm to enable secure engagement. This merging reduces the number of separate operations needed while maintaining robust security.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features (throughholes in the sleeve and locking arms) are designed to automatically align when the locking arms are properly positioned, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments. The bumpers on the locking arms provide automatic engagement with the receptacle, simplifying the locking operation.
3Reliability
If the locking device is made permanently attached, then security is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms are designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing them to move between locked and unlocked positions. The sliding sleeve can slide along the locking arms to adjust positioning. This dynamic design provides secure attachment when locked while maintaining the ability to be easily removed or repositioned when unlocked, achieving both security and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Receptacle locking devices are disclosed. A receptacle locking device having a contact arm and a pivoting feature can be pivoted from a first, unlocked position to a second, locked position, wherein the contact arm prevents opening of the receptacle door when the locking device is in the second, locked position.