Door Locking System with Interlocking Covers for Tamper Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door locking systems are vulnerable to tampering, which compromises their security and creates a risk of unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A tamper-resistant locking system comprising multiple interlocking covers with specific latch features and configurations that ensure secure connections and prevent unauthorized access, using a combination of latch features and friction-fit mechanisms to enhance security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple housing structure is used for the door locking system, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the resistance to tampering deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidtampering resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple separate covers (first cover, second cover, third cover) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled together. Each cover has specific latch features that interlock with corresponding features on other covers, creating a segmented structure that is both easier to manufacture and more resistant to tampering due to the complex assembly required to disassemble and access internal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple covers are nested together through interlocking latch features, where each cover contains or is connected to latch features that receive corresponding features from adjacent covers. This nested arrangement creates a layered protective structure that maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly enhancing tampering resistance through the complexity of the nested assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple interlocking covers are used to prevent tampering, then the tampering resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetampering resistanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated latch features that serve dual purposes: they provide structural connection between covers and simultaneously act as tamper-resistant mechanisms. The latch features combine positioning, locking, and anti-tampering functions into single integrated components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high tampering resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch features are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions: they connect adjacent covers, provide precise alignment during assembly, create friction-fit connections for tamper resistance, and enable disassembly for authorized access. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If friction-fit mechanisms are used to secure covers, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The friction-fit connections are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow easy assembly through a simple pushing motion, where the latch features naturally guide the covers into proper alignment and create the friction connection. For disassembly, a deliberate pulling or twisting motion overcomes the friction, providing controlled access. This dynamic design maintains strong connections during normal operation while enabling ease of operation during authorized access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The latch features are designed to self-align and self-secure during assembly, where the friction-fit mechanism automatically creates the strong connection without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps. The same features that create friction-fit connections also provide the mechanical interlocking, allowing the system to serve itself in both securing and releasing functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250230682A1Tamper-Resistant Locking System and Method
Publication Date: 2025.07.17 WILLO PRODS CO INC
  • US20250230682A1 patent drawing
  • US20250230682A1 patent drawing
  • US20250230682A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A lock system includes first, second, and third covers. The first cover includes a first wall, a second wall, a first latch feature, and a second feature. The first wall extends in a first direction. The second wall is coupled to the first wall and extends in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The second cover extends in a third direction and includes a third latch feature configured to receive the first latch feature. The third cover extends in a fourth direction and includes a fourth latch feature configured to receive the second latch feature.