Single-Operation Lock Mechanism for Electronic Device Casings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock mechanisms for cashiers require dual locking operations, resulting in high costs and complexity due to the need for separate mechanisms to secure the money box and the casing, as well as to prevent the cashier from being moved.
Innovation Solution
A single lock mechanism that utilizes a sliding member, push button, latch member, and guiding structures to simultaneously lock both the first and second casings by engaging the wedging pin with the wedging slot and the stopping portion with the stopping structure, allowing for a single operation to secure both components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate lock mechanisms are used to secure the money box and casing, then the security against theft is improved, but the device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate lock mechanisms into a single integrated locking system. The sliding member integrates the functions of securing the money box to the casing and preventing the cashier from being moved, eliminating the need for two separate locking operations while maintaining security effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The single lock mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the money box to the casing, prevents the cashier from being moved, and provides a unified locking operation. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity while maintaining comprehensive security
2Reliability
If two separate lock mechanisms are used to secure the money box and casing, then the security against theft is improved, but the operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate locking mechanisms into one integrated system, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the dual security functions through shared structural elements
3Ease of operation
If a single lock mechanism is used to secure both casings, then the operational complexity is reduced, but the security effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single lock mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the sliding member for securing the money box, the latch member for engagement, and the guiding structures for controlled motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific security function while operating as a unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding structures act as intermediaries that coordinate the motion between the sliding member and latch member, ensuring that the single locking operation correctly engages both security functions. This intermediary mechanism translates the single user action into multiple secure engagement points
Data Source
AI summary
A lock mechanism adapted to an electronic device with a base, a first casing and a second casing includes a sliding member, a push button, a latch member, a first guiding structure and a second guiding structure. The sliding member is disposed on the base in a slidable manner. The push button is combined with the sliding member for driving the sliding member to slide relative to the base. The latch member is disposed on the base in a slidable manner. The first guiding structure is disposed on the sliding member. The second guiding structure is disposed on the latch member. The second guiding structure cooperates with the first guiding structure for sliding relative to the first guiding structure when the sliding member slides relative to the base, so as to guide the latch member to a locking position for locking the first casing and the second casing.