Rotating Locking Member for Utility Pull Box Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility pull box lids lack a means to restrict access, are prone to bending or breaking, and are not aesthetically pleasing.
Innovation Solution
A locking utility pull box lid device with a rotatable locking member and actuator bolts that secure the lid to the pull box, allowing only authorized access and featuring a security keyed head to prevent unauthorized opening, while being designed for durability and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional utility pull box lids are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they lack access restriction capability and are prone to bending or breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking member with engagement protrusion, a bracket with engagement surface, and an actuator bolt. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to rotate between locked and unlocked positions, providing dynamic access control. The rotation capability allows the lid to transition from a secure locked state to an accessible unlocked state, enhancing reliability by enabling controlled access while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to restrict access, then unauthorized entry is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the actuator bolt that directly engages the locking member. The simple rotational operation of the bolt provides automatic locking and unlocking functionality without requiring additional complex control systems or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex multi-step locking process, the design inverts the approach by using a simple rotational motion of the actuator bolt that directly translates to locking engagement. The locking member rotates to engage or disengage from the bracket, providing security through simplicity rather than complexity.
3Strength
If the lid is designed for durability, then resistance to bending and breaking is improved, but the aesthetic appearance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporates localized structural reinforcements at critical stress points where the locking mechanism attaches and where the lid meets the pull box. This local quality enhancement provides durability and resistance to bending without requiring the entire lid to be overly thick or bulky, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is constructed from composite materials that combine high strength properties with aesthetic finishes. The use of composite materials allows the lid to achieve superior resistance to bending and breaking while maintaining an attractive appearance suitable for utility applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking utility pull box lid device is provided. The device includes a lid and two locking members that are rotatably coupled to a bottom surface of the lid. An actuator bolt extends through each lid aperture and each bolt engages an engagement plate of one locking member. The rotation of the bolt moves the bolt axially and in response, the locking member is rotated between a locked and unlocked position.