Portable Device Security Lock with Independent Engagement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security solutions for portable electronic devices lack a mechanism to securely attach and detach the device from an immovable object while ensuring the device's aperture is protected and easily accessible.
Innovation Solution
A security apparatus featuring a lock mechanism with a cam member and user input system, allowing the device to be securely attached and detached by rotating the lock cylinder with a key, and an engagement mechanism that moves between locked and unlocked positions independently of the lock mechanism, ensuring the aperture is protected and accessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a lock mechanism is integrated with the engagement mechanism, then the structure is more compact, but the engagement mechanism cannot be operated independently when the lock is engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The security apparatus is divided into two functionally independent mechanisms: a lock mechanism (with lock cylinder and cam member) and an engagement mechanism (with fingers and plunger). While physically integrated in a compact housing, these mechanisms operate independently through separate actuation paths, allowing the engagement mechanism to function even when the lock is engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
A user input member (separate from the lock mechanism) acts as an intermediary to actuate the plunger and move the engagement mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. This intermediary input allows independent operation of the engagement mechanism without requiring lock cylinder rotation.
2Reliability
If the engagement mechanism is coupled to the lock cylinder, then the locking and engagement functions are synchronized, but the engagement mechanism loses independent control
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control functions into two independent pathways: one through the lock cylinder and cam member for security locking, and another through the separate user input member and plunger for engagement control. This segmentation maintains synchronization capability while preserving independent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism is designed with dynamic independence, where the plunger can be actuated by either the cam member (when lock cylinder rotates) or the user input member (independently). This dynamic design allows the mechanism to respond to different actuation sources based on operational needs.
3Reliability
If a key-operated lock cylinder is used, then security is enhanced, but the device requires additional steps for attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The security function (lock cylinder) and engagement function (fingers and plunger) are segmented into separate mechanisms that can operate independently. This allows the engagement mechanism to be actuated quickly through the user input member without requiring the time-consuming step of key insertion and lock cylinder rotation, thus reducing attachment/detachment time while maintaining security options.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism can be pre-positioned or preliminarily engaged through the user input member before final security locking is applied. This preliminary action allows rapid initial attachment, with the option to subsequently engage the key-operated lock for enhanced security if needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A security apparatus for a portable electronic device includes a lock mechanism. A lock cylinder is configured to be rotated by a key. A cam member is coupled to the lock cylinder for rotation with the lock cylinder between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A first finger and a second finger are configured to be inserted into an aperture of the portable electronic device. The plunger is positioned between the first finger and the second finger. A user input member coupled to the plunger is selectively actuatable to move the plunger relative to the first and second fingers. When the cam member is in the engaged position, the user input member is precluded from moving from a first position to a second position. When the cam member is in the disengaged position, the user input member is capable of moving from the first position to the second position.