Ring Lock Fixing Element Flange Chamber Anti-Sabotage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ring locks with detachable chains or cables can be vulnerable to sabotage through forceful pulling and hammer strikes, causing the fixing element to move into a release position, allowing unauthorized dislodgement from external objects.

Innovation Solution

A ring lock design featuring a movable fixing element with a flange receiving cavity that includes a chamber, allowing the flange to move into the chamber under force, blocking its movement from the locking to unlocking position, thus preventing unauthorized dislodgement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the fixing element is made movable to allow cable pin insertion and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the fixing element can be gradually moved to release position through vibration and mass inertia during sabotage attempts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable pin insertion and removalVSAvoidresistance to sabotage through vibration and pulling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is divided into two functional parts: a head portion that engages the cable pin circumferential groove and a flange portion that moves within the flange receiving cavity. This segmentation allows the head to maintain secure engagement while the flange provides controlled movement capability for operation but restricted movement for sabotage resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flange receiving cavity is pre-configured with specific geometric constraints (narrow opening, chamber dimensions) that prevent the flange from moving beyond certain positions. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that during sabotage attempts, the flange cannot be gradually moved to the release position, blocking harmful vibrations and forces from dislodging the cable pin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the fixing element flange is received with play in the flange receiving cavity, then ease of operation is improved, but the fixing element becomes vulnerable to movement under pulling forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing element movement for locking and unlockingVSAvoidresistance to cable pin dislodgement under pulling force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flange receiving cavity is pre-configured with specific geometric constraints (narrow opening, chamber dimensions) that prevent the flange from moving beyond certain positions. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that during sabotage attempts, the flange cannot be gradually moved to the release position, blocking harmful vibrations and forces from dislodging the cable pin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The play or deformability of the fixing element, which could potentially allow movement under pulling forces, is converted into a benefit by designing the flange receiving cavity with a chamber that captures the flange under such forces. The pulling force that could harm the lock instead causes the flange to move into the chamber, where it becomes blocked and the locking is strengthened.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If the flange receiving cavity is designed with a chamber that blocks flange movement under pulling force, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to sabotage through forceful pullingVSAvoidflange receiving cavity structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange receiving cavity is merged with the lock housing as a single integrated component rather than separate parts. The chamber is formed as an integral feature of the cavity structure, eliminating the need for additional components or complex assembly while providing the sabotage-resistant functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flange receiving cavity serves multiple functions: it guides the flange during normal operation for locking and unlocking, it captures and blocks the flange under sabotage pulling forces, and it provides structural integration with the lock housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances security by making it virtually impossible to dislodge the cable pin from the lock when subjected to pulling forces and hammer strikes, as the fixing element flange becomes immovable in the locking position.

Implementation Method 1

the fixing element is received in the fixing element receiving cavity with some play and/or is slightly deformable, such that as a result of an exertion of a pulling force on the cable pin, the fixing element flange moves into the chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the fixing element is received in the fixing element receiving cavity with some play and/or is slightly deformable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

the fixing element flange moves into the chamber, so that movement of the fixing element being in the locking position is blocked

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP2962919B1Ring lock with detachable chain or cable
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 STENMAN HOLLAND
  • EP2962919B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2962919B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2962919B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A ring lock (1) provided with a lock housing (2), a lock mechanism included in the lock housing (2), and a ring bolt (3) having a substantially circular segment-shaped configuration. The ring bolt (3) can be brought in a closed position and an opened position and in the closed position is locked by the lock mechanism. Through operation of the lock mechanism the ring bolt (3) is released to be brought in the opened position. The ring lock (1) is further provided with a cable or chain (28) provided with a cable pin (29) having a cable pin circumferential groove (29A). The cable pin circumferential groove (29A) can be engaged by a fixing element flange (17A) which is part of the lock mechanism. The fixing element flange (17A) is included in the lock housing (2) with some play and/or is deformable. Under the influence of a pulling force exerted on the cable the fixing element flange (17A) is pulled into a chamber (18B) in the lock housing (2), so that movement of the fixing element (17) from the locking position is blocked and the cable pin (29) hence cannot be removed from the lock housing (2) by pulling.