Shielded Self-Latching Locking Assembly for Utility Vaults
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for enclosures like grade level boxes do not adequately prevent conductive contact between internal apparatus and the locking mechanism, risking electrical shock during installation or unintentional contact.
Innovation Solution
A shielded self-latching locking assembly with a spring-biased latch and L-bolt mechanism that automatically locks the lid with foot pressure, featuring a cover to isolate conductive components and prevent external contact, utilizing a guide frame and slide member for axial travel and a rotatable L-bolt for secure engagement with the enclosure's locking surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking assembly is used, then the lid can be locked to the enclosure, but conductive contact between internal apparatus and the locking mechanism is possible, risking electrical shock
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is segmented into separate functional components: a non-conductive housing that isolates conductive elements, a conductive latch mechanism for locking, and a cover that provides additional shielding. This segmentation allows the conductive parts to perform their locking function while being isolated from direct contact with equipment inside the enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-conductive housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the conductive locking mechanism and the equipment inside the enclosure. The housing material (such as plastic or polymer) prevents electrical contact while allowing the mechanical locking function to operate, thereby eliminating the electrical shock risk.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shielded locking assembly is used to prevent conductive contact, then electrical shock risk is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated housing structure that provides both mechanical support for the locking mechanism and electrical isolation through its non-conductive material. The cover is also integrated to provide both shielding and structural protection, reducing the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-conductive housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the locking mechanism, acts as an electrical insulator to prevent conductive contact, and serves as a mounting structure for the cover. This multi-functionality reduces overall complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
3Ease of operation
If a self-latching mechanism is used, then tool-free locking is achieved, but the mechanism requires precise coordination of multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism uses dynamic spring-loaded components that automatically transition between locked and unlocked states. The spring-biased latch engages with the locking surface when the lid is closed and can be released by applying force to the actuator, providing automatic self-latching without requiring manual intervention or complex coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through spring bias that automatically engages the latch when the lid closes. The system serves itself by using the closing motion to trigger the locking action without requiring external tools or complex mechanical coordination, simplifying both operation and mechanism design.
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
Ensures secure, tool-free locking of enclosures without risk of electrical shock by isolating conductive components and preventing unintended contact, allowing easy access and removal while maintaining enclosure security.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased latch that engages a locking surface on the interior of the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A shielded locking system for securely closing a lid on an enclosure, such as a grade level utility vault, including an L-bolt connected to a spring-biased slide member positioned on the underside of the lid that rotates in a slotted housing that securely retains the L-bolt under the lid, the slide member engaging an abutment on the inside of the enclosure when the lid is forced down over an opening in the enclosure by downward force on the lid which progressively causes the latch to retract against the spring-bias from contact with the abutment and then snaps the latch into a spring-biased locking position under the abutment, and a non-conductive cover positioned over and connected to the locking system to shield the L-bolt from electrical conductivity from within the enclosure.