Vehicle Puck Lock Tamper Detection Using Embedded Wire Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external door locks on vehicles, such as puck locks, lack an integrated alarm system to alert owners when tampered with, allowing thieves to easily pry or cut them open and access the vehicle's cargo hold.
Innovation Solution
A set of plastic accessories with embedded wire conductors connected to reed switches and vehicle alarms, forming a closed circuit that triggers an alarm when the lock is tampered with, either by prying or cutting, to deter theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard puck lock is used to secure vehicle doors, then the lock provides basic locking functionality, but it lacks an integrated alarm system making it vulnerable to prying and cutting attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alarm system with the existing puck lock by integrating wire conductors into plastic inserts that are attached to the lock brackets. The wire conductors form a circuit that integrates with the vehicle's existing alarm system, merging security functions into the conventional lock structure without requiring a completely new lock design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces plastic inserts with embedded wire conductors as intermediary elements between the lock brackets and the alarm system. These inserts act as mediators that detect tampering attempts through the wire conductors and trigger the alarm, bridging the gap between the mechanical lock and the electronic alarm system
2Reliability
If wire conductors are integrated into plastic inserts attached to lock brackets, then tamper detection capability is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive plastic inserts with simple wire conductors that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The plastic inserts serve as disposable or easily replaceable components that provide tamper detection functionality without requiring expensive or complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tamper detection mechanisms with simple wire conductors embedded in plastic inserts. This substitution uses electrical conductivity detection instead of mechanical sensors, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective tamper detection capability
3Reliability
If the wire conductor circuit is used to detect tampering, then alarm triggering capability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to circuit cutting attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plastic inserts that encase the wire conductors, providing physical protection for the electrical circuit. The plastic shell protects the wire conductors from direct cutting attacks while still allowing the circuit to detect tampering attempts through the inserted lock
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the circuit detection by positioning wire conductors along the edges of plastic inserts that are attached to multiple lock brackets. This distributed circuit layout across different dimensions makes it more difficult for thieves to cut the circuit without triggering the alarm
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
Provides an early warning system that alerts owners of attempted lock tampering, enhancing security by integrating with existing vehicle alarms or wireless transmitters to deter break-ins.
Implementation Method 1
the magnets under the puck lock are in close proximity to the reed switches next to the door brackets holding the bolt of the lock. The magnetic field created when the magnets under the puck lock are in proximity to the reed switches, results in the reed switch contacts closing to form a continuous closed circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A tamper deterrent attachment for external door locks like a puck lock on vehicles, comprising a set of plastic accessories with molded wire conductors placed within proximity of the door brackets of a vehicle such as a truck or a van with the wire conductors of the accessories connected to the reed switches next to the door brackets and the wire conductors on the accessories also connected to a wired or wireless alarm within the vehicle. If an attempt is made to pry open the puck lock, cut the lock brackets or cut through the sheet metal around the lock to remove it, the wire conductors molded in the accessories will also be cut to trigger an alarm to notify the owner of the vehicle of the attempted break-in of the vehicle.