Post Assembly Latch Pin Rotation Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post assemblies lack a secure mechanism to prevent unauthorized removal, as they often rely on simple locking devices that can be easily bypassed by pulling upward, which does not provide substantial security against unauthorized access or removal.
Innovation Solution
The post assembly design incorporates a sleeve member with a latch pin that travels through passages in both the first and second post members, allowing the second post member to be rotated to a secured position where the latch pin intersects a transverse section, preventing separation from the sleeve member with a simple upward pull, and optionally includes a lock assembly to further secure the position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple locking device is used in post assemblies, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the security against unauthorized removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The passage in the second post member transitions from a simple linear configuration to a multi-dimensional path with transverse sections. This dimensional change forces the latch pin to travel through a complex trajectory during rotation, creating a secure locking mechanism that prevents simple upward removal while maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes rotational movement of the second post member to dynamically transition the latch pin between different positions in the passage. The dynamic rotation action allows the latch pin to engage with transverse sections of the passage, creating a secure lock that is simple to operate but difficult to bypass
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism with rotating post member is implemented, then the security against unauthorized removal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the sleeve member with latch pin, the first post member, and the second post member with rotating capability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving high security without requiring a monolithic complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The second post member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables rotational locking through its passage configuration, and acts as the locking mechanism itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate locking components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security
Data Source
AI summary
A post assembly having a first post member, a second post member positioned within the first post member, and a sleeve member installed in the ground. The first and second post members are insertable into the sleeve member and the second post member is rotatable relative to the first post member and the sleeve member to inhibit separation of the first post member and the second post member from the ground sleeve. The first post member includes a first passage, the second post member includes a second passage having a first section and a second section, and the sleeve member includes a latch pin that travels along the first and second passages. When the latch pin is in a particular position within the first and second passages, removal of the first post member and the second post member from the sleeve member is inhibited.