Safe Locking Mechanisms With Inset Anti-Pry Frame Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for safes and enclosures often require numerous machined and chromed parts, leading to complex manufacturing processes and potential vulnerabilities, such as protruding locking elements that can be easily targeted by pry bars.
Innovation Solution
The development of locking mechanisms with fewer machined and chromed parts, featuring retractable locking members that engage within the enclosure's frame, reducing manufacturing complexity and enhancing security by preventing prying forces from being applied effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms with protruding locking elements are used, then security is provided, but the locking elements can be easily targeted by pry bars
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having locking elements protrude outward from the door to engage the frame, the patent inverts the arrangement by having locking elements protrude from the frame inward to engage recesses in the door. This inversion prevents pry bars from effectively applying force to the locking elements, as they are now protected within the frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are nested within the frame structure, with the locking studs positioned in recesses or channels in the frame. This nesting arrangement protects the locking elements from external prying forces while maintaining their engagement function with the door.
2Reliability
If numerous machined and chromed parts are used in locking mechanisms, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking elements into a single integrated frame structure, eliminating the need for separate machined and chromed parts. The locking studs are directly formed as part of the frame, reducing the number of components and manufacturing steps while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the locking elements, and engages with the door. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated locking components, simplifying manufacturing.
3Reliability
If locking elements extend beyond the door perimeter, then engagement with the frame is achieved, but security is reduced due to exposure to prying forces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of locking elements extending outward from the door, the patent inverts the arrangement so that locking elements extend inward from the frame. This ensures locking engagement while keeping the elements protected within the frame perimeter, preventing effective application of prying forces.
4Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms with multiple parts are used, then security features are enhanced, but material usage and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking components into a single integrated frame structure, reducing the quantity of materials needed while maintaining security features. The locking studs are formed as part of the frame rather than being separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure performs multiple functions including structural support, housing locking elements, and providing engagement surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated security components, lowering material usage.
Data Source
AI summary
Safes and related locking assemblies, mechanisms, and enclosures. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may comprise one or more fixed locking members, such as studs or protruding brackets, mounted on or otherwise coupled to the body of the safe or other enclosure, such as a box, building, vehicle, trailer or the like. One or more actuation members may be moveably coupled with a door of the enclosure. At least a portion of the at least one actuation member, such as an engagement member, may be configured to selectively engage the locking member and lock the door in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, a recessed frame may be inset, at least in part, from an outer frame of the body to receive the door therein, and one or more of the locking members may be fixedly coupled with the recessed frame.