Safe
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safes are often hidden and infrequently accessed, making them inconvenient for frequent or quick access, especially for items like firearms that require rapid retrieval.
Innovation Solution
An under counter safe with a dual lock mechanism and separable upper and lower sections, activated by a single release, allowing easy access by pivoting the lower section away from the upper section, and featuring gas springs for smooth movement and a dual lock mechanism for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the safe is hidden and bolted in place to provide security and concealment, then security and stealth are improved, but accessibility and convenience of access deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The safe is divided into two separable sections: a stationary upper section mounted to the counter and a movable lower section that can be pulled away. This segmentation allows the safe to remain concealed when closed while enabling quick access by simply removing the lower section, resolving the contradiction between security through concealment and ease of access.
2Reliability
If the safe is located in a hidden or remote location and bolted in place, then theft deterrence is improved, but frequency and convenience of access deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the safe into a permanently mounted upper section and a removable lower section, the invention enables frequent access operations without compromising the permanent installation's theft deterrence. Users can quickly remove the lower section for access and replace it when done, increasing access frequency while maintaining security.
3Ease of operation
If the safe is designed for quick access by separating sections, then accessibility and speed of access are improved, but structural complexity and security mechanisms worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the access function from complex locking mechanisms and reduces it to a simple separation action. The lower section is designed to be easily removed from the upper section without requiring keys, codes, or complex locks, achieving quick access while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation into separable sections inherently simplifies the access mechanism compared to traditional safes requiring multiple locking steps. The physical separation itself becomes the primary access control, reducing the need for additional complex security components.
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
Provides secure storage while enabling quick and convenient access to contents, maintaining concealment and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
one or more gas springs, gas struts, or other soft-close dampers or mechanisms limit the rate of travel of the lower section away from the upper section to smooth the movement of the lower section
Implementation Method 2
linkage mechanisms at each side of the container connecting the two sections to allow the lower section to be pivoted away from the upper section
Data Source
AI summary
An under counter safe for securing items and providing quick access includes upper and lower sections forming an interior cavity, with the upper section attachable to the underside of a countertop, desk, or other surface. A linkage mechanism may connect the upper and lower sections, allowing the lower section to be raised or lowered with respect to the upper section to allow access to the interior cavity. A dual locking mechanism may secure the lower section to the upper mechanism at two points, and a release mechanism may simultaneously disengage both locking points to allow access. The release mechanism may be manually or electronically activated.