Tamper Resistant Lock with Nitinol Wire and Flexible Band
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices lack effective anti-tampering mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and destruction, which compromises their security.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-resistant lock design featuring a Nitinol wire mechanism, a flexible band, and a key-specific ID code system that requires a matching code for power transmission to the Nitinol wire, allowing the lock to be opened only when the correct key is used, and includes a flexible band and anti-tampering mechanism to prevent forced opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used, then the lock can be opened with a key, but the lock is susceptible to tampering and forced opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by positioning the anti-tampering mechanism between the housing and cylinder before any tampering attempt can occur. The mechanism includes pre-positioned lock balls in holes and flexible bands that are already in place to prevent forced opening, rather than reacting after tampering begins
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary anti-tampering mechanism that acts as a mediator between the housing and cylinder. This intermediate layer includes lock balls and flexible bands that interfere with any direct force transmission between the housing and cylinder, preventing forced opening without requiring the entire locking system to be overly complex
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic control features are added to the lock, then keying codes can be varied and electronic records of usage can be kept, but the lock becomes more complex and vulnerable to electronic tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the cylinder serve multiple functions: it contains both the electronic control features for varied keying codes and usage records, and the mechanical locking mechanism with anti-tampering features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical keying systems with electronic control features embedded in the cylinder. Instead of relying solely on mechanical key bitting, the system uses electronic codes stored in memory devices within the cylinder and key, allowing for greater variability and reprogramming capability without changing physical hardware
3Reliability
If the lock uses a rigid structure to prevent forced opening, then anti-tampering capability is improved, but the lock cannot accommodate the flexible band mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly applies flexible shells and thin films by using a flexible band that wraps around the anti-tampering mechanism body. This flexible band holds lock balls in place while allowing the mechanism to accommodate the curved and moving parts necessary for its anti-tampering function, demonstrating how flexibility enables rather than compromises security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the flexible band to move and adjust as the lock operates. The band can permit the lock ball to leave the relative motion indentation while retaining it in the relative motion hole during rotation, and then re-engage in the proper position after tampering is prevented, showing dynamic adaptation during operation
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 effectively prevents tampering by ensuring only authorized access, as the Nitinol wire contracts to unlock the mechanism only when the correct ID code is verified, and the flexible band and anti-tampering mechanism thwart forced attempts to open the lock.
Implementation Method 1
Nitinol Wire (also known as 'Muscle Wire' or 'Memory Wire') is a thin strand of a special shape memory alloy composed primarily of Nickel (Ni) and Titanium (Ti). Nitinol Wire will shorten in length after receiving an electrical signal, or heated by other means.
Implementation Method 2
Nitinol Wire will shorten in length after receiving an electrical signal, or heated by other means.
Implementation Method 3
A flexible band is wrapped around the anti-tampering mechanism body and covers the lock ball and holds the lock ball in place in the relative motion hole and relative motion indentation.
Data Source
AI summary
A tamper resistant lock. A lock has a lock housing with housing indentation. A cylinder is rotatably housed within the housing. A locking pin is connected to the cylinder and is inserted into the housing indentation when the lock is in a locked position and the locking pin is clear of the housing indentation when the lock is in an unlocked position. An anti-tampering mechanism is positioned between the housing and the cylinder. The anti-tampering mechanism receives a user's key and also includes a relative motion hole. A key extension portion is rotatably inserted inside the anti-tampering mechanism body and includes a relative motion indentation. The key extension portion is keyed to the cylinder. A lock ball is inserted into the relative motion hole and the relative motion indention, thereby preventing relative motion between the anti-tampering mechanism body and the key extension portion. A flexible band is wrapped around the anti-tampering mechanism body and covers the lock ball and holds the lock ball in place in the relative motion hole and relative motion indentation. The flexibility of the flexible band is sufficient to permit the lock ball to leave the relative motion indentation while simultaneously retaining the lock ball in the relative motion hole if the anti-tampering mechanism body is rotated while the locking pin is inserted into the housing indentation, thereby permitting relative motion between the anti-tampering mechanism body and the key extension portion. In a preferred embodiment the tamper resistant lock is a padlock.