Rotatable Bolt Lock With Detent-Based Rotation Restraint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locks lack effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized rotation and ensure secure transition between locked and unlocked positions, particularly under conditions of vibration or gravity, and do not adequately integrate mechanical and electronic key systems for enhanced security.

Innovation Solution

A rotation-preventing locking connection between the driven part and the housing is introduced, with a first and second locking element that can be axially displaced to allow torque transmission only when authorized, using a coupling element and spring mechanism to maintain defined rotational positions and enable secure transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a conventional lock mechanism is used without a rotation-preventing locking connection, then the actuating element can rotate freely for ease of operation, but the bolt cannot remain in a defined position under vibration or gravity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebolt position stabilityVSAvoidactuating element rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism uses a dynamic locking system where the locking element can transition between engaged and disengaged states. During normal operation, the locking element is disengaged to allow free rotation. When authorization is provided, the locking element engages to prevent rotation and stabilize the bolt position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element acts as an intermediary between the actuating element and the bolt. It mediates the rotation of the actuating element, allowing it during authorization and preventing it during unauthorized operation, thereby stabilizing the bolt position without completely restricting actuating element movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the actuating element is permanently coupled to the bolt, then the bolt position is always controlled, but the actuating element cannot rotate freely when not authorized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidactuating element rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between the actuating element and the bolt is made dynamic rather than permanent. The locking element enables or disables this coupling based on authorization status, allowing the system to switch between a coupled state (for security) and an uncoupled state (for free rotation).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is extracted as a separate element (the locking element) that can be independently engaged or disengaged. This allows the actuating element to rotate freely when the locking element is disengaged, while still providing secure coupling when the locking element is engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If multiple locking elements are used to prevent unauthorized rotation, then the locking security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the actuating element, the locking element, and the bolt. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently while working together as a system, improving security without requiring a completely complex integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is positioned within the housing and interacts with both the actuating element and the bolt in a nested arrangement. This nesting allows multiple locking functions to be achieved within a compact structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This solution enhances locking security by ensuring the bolt remains in a defined position until authorized, preventing unauthorized operation and integrating mechanical and electronic key systems for improved security and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

using a coupling element and spring mechanism to maintain defined rotational positions and enable secure transitions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4112856B1Lock with a bolt rotatable by an actuating element

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 C ED SCHULTE GMBH ZYLINDERSCHLOSSFAB RIK

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a lock with an actuating element (1, 2) rotatably arranged in a housing (9), which is coupled to a driven part (3, 4, 7) rotatably mounted in the housing (9) only when access is authorized, in order to transmit a rotation to the driven part (3, 4, 7), wherein the driven part (3, 4, 7) has a locking element, for example a bolt (14) or a locking member, which can be moved between a locked position and a released position by rotating the actuating element (1, 2). To improve the locking security of the lock, the invention proposes a detent connection (4, 11) between the driven part (3, 4, 7) and the housing (9) that prevents the driven part (3, 4, 7) from rotating and which can be released by applying a torque to the driven part (3, 4, 7).