Safe Locking Mechanism Torque-Limiting Clutch Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safe locking mechanisms are vulnerable to unauthorized access and tampering, as they can be forced open by excessive torque, and existing security features may be bypassed by sophisticated methods such as drilling through the door to connect the clutch with the crank plate.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a torque-limiting clutch mechanism that disengages when excessive force is applied, combined with a failsafe feature that allows the clutch to break or deform before sufficient torque is applied to damage the safe, preventing unwanted rotation and access, and additional security features like actuation members and locking pieces that provide over-center protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism is used, then the safe can be opened with proper authorization, but it can be forced open by excessive torque applied to the crank handle
Solution Approach 1:
A clutch mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the crank handle and the locking mechanism. This clutch includes a drive shaft connected to the crank handle and a locking mechanism, with torque-limiting features that prevent excessive force transmission. When excessive torque is applied, the clutch disengages or slips, protecting the locking mechanism from damage while still allowing normal operation under authorized conditions
2Reliability
If the clutch mechanism is made secure, then torque is limited effectively, but sophisticated bypass methods such as drilling through the door can still be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates failsafe features that allow the clutch to break or deform in a controlled manner before sufficient torque can be applied to damage critical components or bypass the security system. This predetermined failure mode protects the overall integrity of the safe even when the clutch is compromised through drilling or other sophisticated methods
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism is designed to fail safely under excessive force, converting the harmful effect of drilling or forced entry attempts into a benign failure mode. The clutch components are engineered to break or disengage before the force can reach the locking mechanism or door structure, turning a potential security vulnerability into an additional protective layer
3Reliability
If the crank shaft is protected from force applied along its axis, then internal components are protected, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the crank shaft protection function into a dedicated feature within the clutch mechanism. The clutch is designed to prevent force applied along the axis of the crank shaft from being transmitted to other internal components, separating this protective function from the overall structural design and reducing the complexity burden on the main safe structure
Data Source
AI summary
Safes and related locking enclosures. In some embodiments, the locking enclosures may comprise a crank shaft that may be coupled with a handle. A crank plate may also be coupled with the crank shaft. A clutch mechanism may be coupled with the crank plate and configured to have an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. In the engaged configuration, the clutch mechanism may be configured to transfer torque from the crank shaft to the crank plate. In the disengaged configuration, the clutch mechanism may be configured to allow the crank shaft to rotate with respect to the crank plate such that no (or at least reduced) torque from the crank shaft is not transferred to the crank plate.