Self-Powered Safe Lock With Obscured Code Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking mechanisms for safes are vulnerable to unauthorized access, as observers can easily determine the combination code entered by authorized individuals, and they often require large physical footprints due to power requirements, compromising security and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered lock with a geometrically compact design that uses a motor, rack gear, and manually operable electricity generator to move a lock bolt between locked and unlocked positions, featuring an active touchscreen that adjusts character positions and types to obscure the combination entry, and incorporates solar cells and a battery bank for power generation, maintaining a standard physical footprint while enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional push button or dial approaches are used for entering the combination code, then the locking mechanism can be operated, but the combination code becomes easily observable by casual observers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses LED indicators that change color or illuminate to provide feedback on combination entry status. The system displays visual cues (such as illuminated segments or color changes) that confirm correct code entry without revealing the actual combination code to observers, thereby maintaining security while enabling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual feedback system (LED indicators, display elements) that mediates between the user's input and the lock's response. This intermediary provides confirmation of correct code entry through non-revealing visual signals, preventing direct observation of the combination while maintaining ease of operation.
2Power
If large power sources (batteries, power supplies) are used to ensure sufficient power for the locking mechanism, then the motor and electrical components can operate reliably, but the physical footprint of the lock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements energy harvesting mechanisms (such as hand-crank generators, piezoelectric elements, or kinetic energy recovery) that allow the lock to generate its own power from user interaction. This self-service approach eliminates the need for large external power sources, providing sufficient power for motor operation while maintaining a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses high-density energy storage components (such as lithium-ion batteries with high energy density, supercapacitors, or optimized power management circuits) that provide sufficient power in a reduced volume. By changing the parameters of the power source (energy density, voltage, current management), the system achieves reliable power supply with a smaller physical footprint.
3Ease of operation
If a motor with rotatable output gear and rack gear is used to move the lock bolt, then precise controlled movement is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-component mechanical systems (separate motor, gear train, rack and pinion) with integrated electromechanical actuators (such as linear motors, voice coil actuators, or shape memory alloy actuators) that directly produce the required lock bolt movement. This substitution maintains precise controlled movement while significantly reducing device complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motor, gear train, and rack gear into a single integrated actuator assembly where components are combined or pre-assembled as one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate parts, simplifies installation and maintenance, while preserving the precise controlled movement functionality through coordinated operation of the integrated components.
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 solution effectively prevents unauthorized access by obscuring the combination entry and reduces the need for large power sources, maintaining a compact footprint while providing robust security for sensitive items.
Implementation Method 1
A manually operable electricity generator generates electricity upon manual actuation by the user. The electricity generator is electrically connected to the motor to supply electricity thereto
Implementation Method 2
The electricity generator is electrically connected to the motor to supply electricity thereto for operating the rotatable output gear
Implementation Method 3
The rack gear engages the rotatable output gear. A pin is coupled with the rack gear. When the motor is actuated, the rotatable output gear moves the rack gear and the pin to unblock the lever arm
Implementation Method 4
A lever arm is movable between the disengaged and engageable positions and operatively coupled to the lock bolt to move the lock bolt between the locked and unlocked positions
Data Source
AI summary
A device for preventing unwanted opening of a locked enclosure includes a lock bolt moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A lever arm is movable between disengaged and engaged positions and moves the lock bolt between the locked and unlocked positions. A rotary element is engageable with the lever arm in the engageable position. The rotation of the rotary element when the rotary element is engaged with the lever arm moves the lock bolt between the locked and unlocked positions. A pin normally blocks the lever arm from moving from the disengaged position to the engageable position. A rotatable output gear moves a rack gear and the pin to unblock the lever arm and thereby allowing the lever arm to engage with the rotary element to allow a user to rotate the rotary element to move the lock bolt between the locked and unlocked positions.