Automatic Security Lock Bolt Extraction Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automatic security locks face issues with incomplete or failed bolt extraction due to irregular alignment or high friction, leading to suboptimal security conditions that users cannot easily identify or rectify.

Innovation Solution

An automatic security lock design featuring a box-like body with actuation lever systems, including an actuation rod and slider mechanism, allows for full bolt extraction and user verification through key rotation, ensuring correct alignment and maximum protrusion of bolts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automatic actuation mechanism is used for bolt extraction, then security is improved by forcing maximum extraction configuration, but reliability deteriorates due to incomplete extraction caused by irregular alignment or high friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebolt extraction completenessVSAvoiduser ability to identify and rectify malfunction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by providing a visual indicator (the bit visible through the window) that allows the user to verify whether the bolt has been fully extracted. This feedback loop enables the user to identify incomplete extraction and take corrective action by rotating the key further, thereby resolving the contradiction between automatic actuation and user ability to identify/rectify malfunctions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows the user to self-diagnose and self-correct extraction issues by observing the bit position and rotating the key accordingly. The transparent window design enables the user to monitor the extraction process and perform necessary adjustments without requiring technical expertise or external assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional lock appearance is maintained for easy replacement, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of automatic actuation and verification mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement capabilityVSAvoidintegration of automatic actuation and verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a unified mechanism: the key cylinder serves both as the traditional user interface and as the actuator for automatic bolt extraction. The bit and window are integrated into the existing lock body structure, combining verification functionality with the traditional lock appearance. This merging approach enables easy replacement while managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The key cylinder is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as the traditional key interface, the actuator for automatic bolt extraction, and the mechanism that positions the bit for verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining adaptability for replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If bolt extraction is fully automated upon wing closure, then security is improved by eliminating user dependency, but measurement precision deteriorates as user cannot verify bolt configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity conditionVSAvoiduser verification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent window and visible bit provide direct visual feedback to the user about the bolt extraction status. This feedback mechanism restores measurement precision by enabling the user to verify whether the bolt has been fully extracted, complementing the automatic actuation system and ensuring security confidence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The bit acting as a visual indicator serves as an intermediary between the internal bolt extraction mechanism and the user's verification capability. It translates the internal mechanical state into visible information, allowing the user to accurately assess the security condition without directly observing the bolt itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables users to easily verify and ensure complete bolt extraction, maintaining optimal security without requiring structural modifications, while maintaining a traditional appearance and modest costs.

Implementation Method 1

there is also a spring designed to push the bolt towards the extracted configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

said slider comprising a seat for said bit and an end head suitable to abut against an inclined plane formed on a surface of said actuation rod, upon a rotation of said bit said slider translating until said rod abuts and is forced on the inclined plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclined plane mechanism: Inclined Plane

Data Source

PatentEP3721033B1Automatic security lock
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 CISA SPA
  • EP3721033B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3721033B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3721033B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An automatic security lock (1 ) comprising a box-like body (2) containing respective actuation lever systems for at least one bolt (3); the lever systems are controlled by a respective security cylinder (6) associated with a key and with at least one movement actuator; the lever systems comprise an actuation rod (8) for the at least one bolt (3). A sliding slider (9) is arranged above the cylinder (6) in substantial alignment with the respective bit (10). The slider (9) comprises a seat (1 1) for the bit (10) and an end head (12) suitable to abut against an inclined plane (13) formed on a surface of the actuation rod (8); upon a rotation of the bit (10), the slider (9) translates up to abutment and forcing on the inclined plane (13) of the rod (8) with consequent translation of the rod (8) in the configuration of complete extraction of the at least one bolt (3).