Sliding Locking Element for Box Padlocking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cabinet lock devices require complex installation of a metal part to enable padlocking, which is not always available and can be vulnerable to forced entry when installed, incurring additional costs and immobilizing workforce for installation.

Innovation Solution

A sliding locking element that can be easily switched between retracted and extended positions to enable or disable padlocking without disassembly, allowing for immediate padlocking functionality and preventing rotational grip that could lead to lock damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a metal part is installed to enable padlocking, then padlocking function becomes available, but installation complexity increases and requires workforce immobilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepadlocking function availabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is nested within the lock body, allowing it to be stored inside the lock when not in use. This eliminates the need for separate installation of a metal part, as the locking element is already integrated into the lock structure. The locking element can slide between retracted (stored inside) and extended (protruding for padlocking) positions, providing padlocking functionality without additional installation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed to be movable, sliding between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic design allows the padlocking function to be activated or deactivated as needed, rather than requiring a permanently installed metal part. The element can be manually or automatically positioned to provide padlocking when required, while maintaining simplicity when padlocking is not needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a metal part is installed to enable padlocking, then padlocking function becomes available, but installation time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepadlocking function availabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is pre-integrated into the lock body during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field installation. The element is already in position within the lock, ready to be extended for padlocking when needed. This preliminary integration saves installation time and eliminates workforce immobilization, as no additional installation steps are required at the installation site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a metal part is installed to enable padlocking, then padlocking function becomes available, but vulnerability to forced entry increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepadlocking function availabilityVSAvoidvulnerability to forced entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element features an asymmetric profile with a flat base and a cylindrical part, where the cylindrical part fits precisely within a corresponding recess in the lock body. This asymmetric design prevents rotational grip, as the element cannot be turned when in the extended position. The flat base provides stable mounting while the cylindrical portion with precise fit prevents twisting or forcing actions that could damage the lock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The design preemptively counters forced entry attempts by eliminating the rotational grip vulnerability. The locking element's geometry and its interaction with the lock body's recess prevent the application of twisting forces before an attack can occur. The element is designed to resist rotational stress, making forced entry attempts ineffective from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the locking element is extended for padlocking, then padlocking function is enabled, but access to the locking element may be blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepadlocking function availabilityVSAvoidaccessibility of locking element

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to slide dynamically between retracted and extended positions. When extended, it protrudes through the door to enable padlocking. When retracted, it withdraws into the lock body, making the laying means accessible for sealing systems or other operations. This dynamic positioning resolves the conflict between enabling padlocking and maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1808560B1Closure device for a box

Publication Date: 2016.01.06 ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The device has a cylinder (11) in which a key is introduced for actuating a lock for closing or opening of a box. An immobilization element (12) e.g. cylindrical tube, has a positioning unit (13) positioning a locking device. The locking device prevents the introduction of the key in the cylinder. The immobilization element slides, with respect to the cylinder, between an input position and output position for respectively preventing and authorizing an access to the positioning unit.