Shock Resistant Lock With Motor-Driven Bolt Blocker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locks are vulnerable to unauthorized access when subjected to shock or impact forces, as they lack effective mechanisms to resist such external forces and maintain security.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly with a bolt and a blocking lever system, including a positioning assembly with a motor-driven threaded shaft and nut, which adjusts the force applied to the blocking lever to prevent bolt retraction, making it difficult to open the lock through shock or impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lock mechanism is used, then the lock can be easily operated under normal conditions, but the lock becomes vulnerable to shock or impact forces that can defeat the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt blocker is pre-positioned to block the bolt's retraction path before any shock or impact force can be applied. The blocking lever is initially set to engage with the bolt blocker, creating a preliminary counter-force that prevents the bolt from moving inward when subjected to external impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning assembly applies force to the blocking lever in advance to ensure it is firmly engaged in the blocking position before any unauthorized access attempt occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when shock forces are applied, the blocking lever is already prepared to resist bolt movement.
2Reliability
If a blocking mechanism is added to resist shock forces, then the lock becomes more resistant to forced entry, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking lever serves as an intermediary element between the bolt and the positioning assembly. Instead of directly connecting the positioning mechanism to the bolt, the blocking lever mediates the force transmission, allowing the system to achieve shock resistance while maintaining a modular and manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the bolt, the blocking lever, the bolt blocker, and the positioning assembly. Each component has a specific function, and their modular arrangement allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while achieving the overall shock-resistant functionality.
3Reliability
If the positioning assembly applies continuous force to the blocking lever, then the bolt remains securely locked, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly operates periodically rather than continuously. It applies force to the blocking lever only when needed to maintain or re-establish the blocked position, such as after the bolt has been unlocked and needs to be re-locked. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining locking stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking lever and bolt blocker are designed to maintain their blocking position through their own structural configuration and mechanical interlocking, without requiring continuous active force from the positioning assembly. The system uses its own mechanical properties to sustain the locked state, reducing the need for external energy input.
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 lock assembly effectively resists unauthorized access by maintaining the bolt in a locked position even under external force, requiring significant force to overcome the locking mechanism, thus enhancing security against forced entry.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning assembly including a threaded shaft, a motor that rotates the threaded shaft, and a nut that moves relative to the housing along the threaded shaft
Implementation Method 2
a compliant member positioned between the electric machine and the housing to absorb impact of the electric machine resulting from relative movement of the electric machine relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly (30, 30′) is provided that includes a housing (32), a rotary bolt (36) or a translating bolt (36′), and a bolt blocker (38) that moves between a blocking position blocking movement of the bolts (36, 36′) and an unblocking position permitting the bolts (36, 36′) to move to a retracted position. The lock assemblies (30, 30′) are resistant to shocks being applied to the locks assemblies (30, 30′) in an effort to open the lock assemblies (30, 30′) without authorization.