Low Profile Computer Security Lock with Sliding Wedge Bolt
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security locks for small electronic devices, such as computers and phones, face issues with complexity, sturdiness, and potential breakage due to the need for a rotatable T-bar locking element that can interfere with internal components and is prone to twisting and breaking.
Innovation Solution
A trapezoidal or conical locking mechanism that fits into a security cavity with a narrow opening, featuring a fixed locking element and a slidable wedge bolt that securely engages the cavity walls without rotating, providing a strong hold without stressing internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotatable T-bar locking element is used, then the lock can be operated to engage and disengage, but the locking element is prone to twisting and breaking and can interfere with internal components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a rotatable T-bar that moves laterally, the invention uses a slidable locking element that moves linearly along the longitudinal axis. The locking element slides forward to engage with the cavity and backward to disengage, inverting the conventional rotational motion into linear sliding motion. This eliminates the twisting and lateral interference problems while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the rotational motion requirement entirely from the locking mechanism. By removing the rotational aspect and replacing it with pure linear sliding motion, the design eliminates the stress concentrations and twisting forces that caused the T-bar to break, while still achieving the necessary lock engagement and disengagement functions.
2Reliability
If the locking element rotates behind the wall of the equipment, then the lock can secure the equipment, but it can cause interference with other internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the motion direction from lateral rotation behind the wall to longitudinal sliding along the axis. The locking element moves forward and backward along the same axis it is inserted, never rotating or moving laterally. This eliminates interference with internal components while maintaining the security locking function through proper engagement with the cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimension of motion from lateral (perpendicular to the wall) to longitudinal (parallel to the insertion axis). By moving the locking element along the longitudinal dimension rather than allowing lateral rotation, the design achieves secure locking without interfering with internal components in the lateral space.
3Ease of manufacture
If a rectangular security slot is used, then the locking element can be inserted, but the slot size requires a larger opening that may interfere with internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses an asymmetric cavity design where the opening dimensions differ from the internal chamber dimensions. The cavity has a narrower opening that tapers into a larger internal space, allowing the locking element to be inserted through a small opening and then expand within the cavity. This asymmetric geometry enables a smaller opening that does not interfere with internal components while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to nest within the cavity, with the element's maximum dimension being smaller than the cavity's internal dimensions. The element inserts through the opening and then expands or positions itself within the larger internal space, similar to nested dolls. This allows a small opening that doesn't interfere with internal components while providing sufficient space for secure locking engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock that is configured to be attached to electronic equipment requiring securing against theft and the lock comprising: a lock body; a locking element protruding from the lock body and having a forward distal section that is comparatively wider in cross-sectional size compared to a rear section thereof, the forward section being configured to be insertable into a cavity formed in the equipment, where the cavity is defined by an opening having a size and shape slightly larger than the cross-sectional size of the forward section of the locking element and an interior larger in cross-sectional size than the opening of the cavity; a slidable locking pin configured to slide alongside the locking element and into the cavity, after the locking element has been inserted into said cavity, to substantially fill a space of the cavity left unoccupied by the locking element; a sliding mechanism coupled to the locking pin and configured to slide the locking pin into and out of the cavity; and a locking mechanism to lock the locking mechanism within the lock body to prevent withdrawal of the locking element from the cavity.