Rotatable Container Locking Mechanism for Single-Point Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for containers require multiple user inputs, are difficult to operate, and lack compatibility with standard locking devices, compromising security and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with a rotatable member and primary engaging members that allow for a single actuation point, enabling easy locking and unlocking through a blocking member received in a blocking member receiving portion, and compatibility with various types of blocking members such as padlocks or mortice locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism requiring multiple user inputs is used, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a rotatable member for user input, primary engaging members for locking action, retainable members for maintaining engagement, and a blocking member receiving portion for receiving external blocking members. This segmentation allows the complex security function to be achieved through simple, intuitive user interaction with the rotatable member while the internal components handle the complexity of secure locking.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple user inputs is used, then security is improved, but user time required deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retainable members are pre-positioned and configured to be retained by the primary engaging members once the rotatable member is rotated to the locked position. This preliminary arrangement of components ensures that the locking action is achieved in a single rotational movement without requiring multiple separate user inputs or time-consuming operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a standard locking mechanism is used, then compatibility with standard locking devices is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member receiving portion is designed to receive various types of blocking members including padlocks, combination locks, and deadbolts of mortice locks. This universal interface allows users to choose their preferred locking device while the locking mechanism itself maintains simple operation through the rotatable member, combining ease of use with compatibility across multiple locking device types.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism is disclosed. The locking mechanism has a rotatable member configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis, at least one primary engaging member fixed to the rotatable member and configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the rotatable member, at least one retainable member configured to be retained by the at least one primary engaging member and a blocking member receiving portion located adjacent to the at least one primary engaging member and is configured to receive the blocking member when the locking mechanism is in an engaged configuration. When the blocking member is received in the blocking member receiving portion, rotation of the at least one primary engaging member about the longitudinal axis of the rotatable member is inhibited and the at least one retainable member is retained by the at least one primary engaging member. Also disclosed is a container having a locking mechanism.