Tamper-Proof Screw With Pivoting Lock Members Against Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper-proof screws can still be disassembled using special tools, posing concerns for product manufacturers who need to secure internal components and prevent unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-proof screw design featuring a main body, a pin body, a ball, and at least one abutting member, where the pin body moves to push the ball against the abutting member, causing it to pivot and extend outward, effectively locking the screw against removal by abutting against external objects, preventing disassembly without damaging the locked object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tamper-proof screws are used, then basic anti-theft function is provided, but they can still be disassembled with special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The screw is divided into multiple functional components: a main body, a pin body that can move independently, a ball for force transmission, and abutting members that pivot to engage with the locked object. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function in the anti-tamper mechanism, making the overall system more reliable while keeping individual components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin body is designed to move dynamically within the through hole of the main body in response to applied forces. This dynamic behavior allows the screw to transition between locked and unlocked states, providing reliable anti-tamper protection while maintaining operational flexibility when proper authorization is applied.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple screw structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but security against disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pin body, ball, and abutting members are nested within the main body of the screw, with the pin body moving in a through hole and the abutting members pivoting within slots. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact unit that can be manufactured as an integrated assembly, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving enhanced security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage the abutting members with the locked object based on the movement of the pin body. When the pin body moves in response to applied force, it pushes the ball against the abutting members, causing them to pivot and extend outward to abut against the locked object, providing self-activating security without requiring external actuation mechanisms.
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 design ensures the tamper-proof screw cannot be disassembled unless the locked object is destroyed, providing enhanced security against unauthorized access and tampering.
Implementation Method 1
the abutting member pivots around the connecting end to allow the free end to extend outwards from the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A tamper-proof screw includes a main body, a pin body, a ball, and at least one abutting member. A through hole is provided in the main body. The pin body is movably disposed in the through hole. The ball is located in the through hole. The abutting member is located in the through hole and has a connecting end and a free end opposite to each other. The connecting end is disposed on an inner wall of the main body and located between the ball and the free end. The ball is located between the pin body and the abutting member. When the pin body moves in the through hole to push the ball to press against the connecting end of the abutting member, the abutting member pivots around the connecting end to allow the free end to extend outwards from the main body.