Receptacle locking device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for collection receptacles often fail 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 locked in place using 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. This nesting allows the sleeve to control the alignment and positioning of the locking arms while maintaining a compact overall structure, improving security without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple locking components are used to prevent access, then security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sleeve combines multiple functions into a single component: it positions the locking arms, aligns their proximal ends, and works with the contact arm to engage or disengage the locking mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate operations needed, improving ease of operation while maintaining security through the coordinated action of the integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arms are designed to pivot and rotate into alignment, and the sliding sleeve can move along the locking arms to engage or disengage the lock. These dynamic movements allow the mechanism to transition smoothly between locked and unlocked states, making operation easier while maintaining secure locking when engaged.
3Reliability
If the locking arms are designed to pivot and align, then the security against forced entry is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms are pre-configured with pivot points and proximal ends designed to rotate into alignment with each other. This preliminary design ensures that when the contact arm actuates the mechanism, the locking arms naturally align and engage without requiring additional alignment components, improving security against forced entry while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 locking device effectively secures collection receptacles by preventing access through a secure alignment of locking components and friction fit, ensuring only authorized individuals can open the receptacle.
Implementation Method 1
a lower frame pivotably connected to the upper frame; and wherein the pivotable connection between the upper frame and the lower frame is configured to allow movement of the frame between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 2
the pair of locking arms have bumpers connected to distal ends thereof
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.