Redundant Boltwork Mechanism for Safe Door Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safe designs rely on a single lock that can be costly and time-consuming to access if there is mechanical failure or power outage, as they require a locksmith or electricity to open.
Innovation Solution
A redundant boltwork mechanism with a master lock plate and sublock plate, featuring two separate locks that can be unlocked independently to open the safe door, allowing either lock to retract the blocking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single lock is used in the safe mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability is compromised due to risk of mechanical failure or power outage
Solution Approach 1:
The safe locking mechanism is segmented into two independent locks (first lock and second lock) that can operate separately. Each lock has its own lock plate and lock tongue, allowing independent failure modes. This segmentation ensures that if one lock fails, the other can still provide access, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely redundant dual-lock system.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second locks are positioned at different locations on the safe door (first lock on master lock plate, second lock on sublock plate). This local differentiation allows each lock to serve as a backup for the other, with the first lock providing primary access and the second lock providing alternative access if the first fails, optimizing the reliability-complexity tradeoff.
2Loss of time
If a single lock mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time increases when mechanical failure occurs requiring locksmith intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant lock system performs preliminary preparation by maintaining a backup lock mechanism that is ready to activate if the primary lock fails. The second lock and sublock plate are pre-configured to provide alternative access paths, eliminating the need for external locksmith intervention and reducing time loss during failure scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The safe locking mechanism provides self-service capability through the redundant lock system. When the primary lock fails, the user can independently activate the second lock without requiring external assistance from locksmiths. This self-service feature reduces time loss and eliminates dependency on external services for access recovery.
3Reliability
If electronic locks are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to dependency on power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both electronic and mechanical operation modes. The first and second locks can function as electronic locks with power supply or as mechanical locks without power supply. This universal design ensures reliability across different operating conditions (powered or unpowered states) while maintaining operational ease through consistent user interaction across both lock types.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system allows parameter changes in its operational mode by switching between electronic and mechanical functioning. The redundant lock architecture enables the system to adapt its power requirements dynamically - when power is available, electronic locks provide enhanced ease of operation; when power is unavailable, mechanical locks ensure continued reliability. This parameter flexibility resolves the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a redundant boltwork mechanism comprises a master lock plate and a sublock plate slidably coupled to the master lock plate. A first lock is coupled to the mater lock plate and a second lock is coupled to the sublock plate. A cross slide with a plurality of bolts and at least one other slide are coupled to the safe door such that turning that handle of the safe door causes movement of the cross slide and at least one other slide from a first position to a second position, allowing the safe door to be opened. The safe door can be unlocked by unlocking either the first lock or the second lock, which causes the second lock tongue to retract from blocking the at least one slide.