Ratchet Gunlock Hook-and-Groove Locking Against Forced Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gun locks, such as the SC-5, are vulnerable to unwanted opening through impact, wrenching, shaking, or shimming, which compromises security, especially in unsupervised environments where law enforcement personnel store diverse firearms.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an extending ratchet latch and anti-shimming apparatus, including a starwheel with asymmetric teeth and a hook and groove mechanism, enhances security by preventing unauthorized access unless sufficient force is applied to destroy the lock, ensuring the lock remains secure against impact, wrenching, shaking, and shimming attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a basic ratchet locking mechanism is used, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but it is vulnerable to unwanted opening through impact, wrenching, shaking, or shimming
Solution Approach 1:
The starwheel component features asymmetric tooth configuration where the teeth are positioned only on one side of the wheel circumference. This asymmetric design allows the ratchet latch to engage securely in one direction while preventing backward movement, thereby blocking shimming attempts and enhancing security without requiring a completely complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: the ratchet arm with teeth, the solenoid-actuated latch, the extending ratchet latch, and the starwheel with asymmetric teeth. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing multiple layers of security while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design.
2Reliability
If the ratchet latch is extended to prevent shimming, then security against shimming is improved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The extending ratchet latch and the starwheel with asymmetric teeth are integrated into a unified locking system where the starwheel serves dual purposes: it acts as both the ratchet wheel and the anti-shimming barrier. The asymmetric tooth configuration merges the ratching function with the shimming prevention function, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple security features are added to prevent impact, wrenching, and shaking, then security is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid-actuated latch provides dynamic locking and unlocking capability, allowing the secure locked state to be maintained during impact, wrenching, or shaking attempts, while still permitting easy opening through the key-operated solenoid mechanism. This dynamic approach enables security enhancement without requiring permanently rigid or overly complex structural features.
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 enhanced ratchet type gun lock provides a higher level of security by maintaining lock integrity under various forms of unauthorized attempts, ensuring the firearm remains secured unless the lock is irreversibly damaged, thus addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid has a plunger adapted to engage one of the ratchet teeth of the ratchet arm to lock the rotatable ratchet arm in position
Data Source
AI summary
A security apparatus to prevent unauthorized opening of a ratchet type gunlock. A hook is permanently anchored to the housing of the lock and a groove is provided in the rotatable ratchet arm. When the hook is within the groove this forms, in essence, a closed loop so that the only way to force open the ratchet arm is to break the lock by breaking the hook or the arm even if the gunlock is attempted to be opened by severe force.