Self-Powered Lock With Generator-Charged Tamper Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks are vulnerable to unauthorized unlocking through conventional safe-cracking techniques or sophisticated equipment that manipulate electrical, magnetic, or mechanical elements, compromising the security of safes and other containment devices.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered lock mechanism utilizing a manually rotatable combination input knob, a motor, worm gear, and face gear system, along with a blocker member and torsion spring, to ensure secure locking and unlocking operations, resistant to brute force and tampering, and incorporating a relock mechanism to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lock is vulnerable to unauthorized unlocking through safe-cracking techniques and manipulation of electrical, magnetic, or mechanical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking elements (first and second locking elements), electrical components (capacitor, generator, switch), and mechanical components (cam, lever arm) into an integrated locking mechanism. This merging creates a multi-layered security system where the capacitor maintains charge to keep the switch open, preventing unauthorized operation even if mechanical elements are manipulated.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor is precharged during authorized operation and retains this charge to maintain the switch in the open position before any unauthorized attempt occurs. This preliminary energy storage creates a preventive barrier that automatically disables the locking mechanism's electrical control, requiring the user to complete a full charging cycle through generator operation before the lock can be actuated.
2Reliability
If the lock uses electrical and magnetic elements for security, then unauthorized unlocking is prevented, but the lock requires power supply and energy management components
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is mechanically coupled to the combination input device, allowing the user to charge the capacitor directly through rotation of the input device during the combination entry process. This self-charging mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources or batteries, converting the user's mechanical input into electrical energy stored in the capacitor, which then powers the locking mechanism's electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock operates in periodic cycles: the user rotates the combination input device to charge the capacitor, the capacitor maintains charge to keep the switch open, and after a predetermined time period, the switch automatically closes to allow lock actuation. This periodic operation pattern manages energy consumption by keeping the system in a low-power state (switch open) until the charging cycle is complete and authorization is confirmed.
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
The mechanism provides enhanced security by preventing unauthorized opening and maintaining lock integrity against various forms of tampering, ensuring secure storage of sensitive items.
Implementation Method 1
a generator operatively connected to the combination input device
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (10) for preventing unwanted opening of a locked enclosure includes a lock bolt (22) moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A face gear (56) is meshable with and rotatable by the worm gear (54) between locking and unlocking positions when the worm gear (54) is driven in the first and second directions, respectively. A blocker member (58) is rotatable between first and second positions. A biasing member (60) is operatively coupled to the face gear (56) and the blocker member (58) to bias the blocker member (58) in a biasing direction. A sliding member (32) selectively disengages the blocker member (58) to allow the blocker member (58) to rotate in the biasing direction. A lever arm (40) is operatively coupled to the sliding member (32) such that the lever arm (40) is in the disengaged and engageable positions when the sliding member (32) engages the blocker member (58) in the first and second positions, respectively.