Rotary Blocking Device for Lock Bolts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock mechanisms, particularly those using linear solenoids, are vulnerable to unauthorized access due to insufficient protection against force and shock, and are complex and costly to assemble, with safety key mechanisms providing inadequate protection against shim stock manipulation and solenoid damage.
Innovation Solution
A lock design featuring a housing with a rotary actuator and cam engagement member, including a spring-biased flange that blocks the locking bolt in the locked position and allows it to bypass in the unlocked position, along with a tamper-resistant mechanism using teeth to prevent unauthorized access, even under force or shock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a linear solenoid with plunger is used to control the locking bolt, then the locking mechanism can be actuated electrically, but the plunger is small and weak making it vulnerable to force and shock
Solution Approach 1:
A cam engagement member with an elongated flange is introduced as an intermediary between the solenoid plunger and the locking bolt. The flange engages with a groove in the housing to block the locking bolt from moving to the unlocked position, while the solenoid only needs to rotate the cam member slightly to disengage. This intermediary mechanism protects the weak plunger from direct exposure to force and shock while maintaining electrical actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam engagement member is designed to rotate between a blocked position (flange engaging the groove) and an unlocked position (flange disengaging). This dynamic positioning allows the system to transition between secured and unlocked states, providing reliable protection against force and shock while enabling electrical actuation through the solenoid's rotation of the cam member.
2Reliability
If a safety key mechanism with notched bolt is used to prevent force access, then some protection is provided, but it is complex and costly to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The cam engagement member combines multiple functions into a single component: it engages the locking bolt to prevent force access, provides the blocking action through its elongated flange, and rotates in response to solenoid actuation. This merged design eliminates the need for separate safety key mechanisms, notched bolts, and complex assembly procedures while maintaining reliable protection against force.
3Reliability
If the solenoid plunger is made larger to withstand force, then protection against force improves, but the housing size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam engagement member with its elongated flange serves as a mediator that blocks the locking bolt from moving to the unlocked position. The solenoid plunger only needs to rotate this cam member slightly to disengage the flange from the groove, rather than needing to be large and powerful enough to directly withstand force. This intermediary mechanism allows the housing to remain compact while providing reliable protection against force.
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 solution simplifies assembly, reduces costs, and effectively blocks access under force and shock, preventing unauthorized entry by engaging the tamper-resistant mechanism and distributing force to prevent solenoid damage, thus enhancing security and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring interposed between the rotary actuator and said flange where said spring biases the flange in the locked position
Data Source
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AI summary
A lock including a housing having an opening for a locking bolt, a locking bolt movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, an actuator positioned within the housing, and a rotary blocking device that prevents the locking bolt from moving to the unlocked position is disclosed. The lock may optionally include a tamper resistant mechanism that is designed such that attempting to forcibly move the locking bolt from the locked position to the unlocked position while the actuator remains in the locked condition causes the locking bolt to engage the tamper resistant mechanism.