Toothed Wheel Locking System Resisting Vehicle Attacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for shipping containers are not robust enough to withstand violent attacks, particularly from four-wheel drive vehicles, as they lack sufficient strength and design to resist such forces.
Innovation Solution
A locking system featuring at least two toothed wheels mounted on a locking holder, allowing rotation around parallel axes with space between teeth for locking a locking boom, and an arresting device that engages in the movement direction of the toothed wheels, enabling the locking boom to be securely locked and resisting pulls from external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but strength and robustness against violent attacks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into multiple independent components: toothed wheels for engagement, locking boom for force transfer, arresting device for positioning, and spring element for maintaining pressure. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high strength through distributed mechanical advantage while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system employs dynamic elements including rotatable toothed wheels that can engage/disengage, a movable locking boom that positions itself under load, and a spring element that dynamically adjusts to maintain optimal contact pressure. These dynamic features allow the lock to adapt to attack forces while remaining easy to operate through basic rotational and linear movements.
2Strength
If a robust locking system capable of resisting four-wheel drive vehicle attacks is designed, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into integrated components: the toothed wheels simultaneously provide rotational movement control and mechanical engagement points; the locking boom serves both as a locking element and a force distribution member; the arresting device combines positioning and locking functions. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while achieving the required strength against vehicle attacks.
Solution Approach 2:
Each component performs multiple functions: the toothed wheels enable both opening and locking actions while providing structural support; the locking boom acts as both a securing element and a load-bearing component; the spring element provides both force maintenance and shock absorption. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high strength characteristics.
3Reliability
If the locking system uses multiple toothed wheels and an arresting device, then reliability against violent attacks is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design optimizes geometric parameters of the toothed wheels (number of teeth, tooth profile, spacing) to achieve reliable engagement with the locking boom while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining operations. The arresting device geometry is optimized to provide reliable positioning without requiring complex fabrication processes, using standard angular and linear features that can be produced with conventional manufacturing methods.
4Strength
If the locking boom is designed to transfer pull forces from four-wheel drive vehicles, then strength is improved, but weight of the locking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking boom and toothed wheels are designed using composite construction principles, combining high-strength materials in critical load-bearing areas with lighter materials in non-critical sections. The geometry is optimized to distribute forces efficiently through the structure, allowing the use of lighter materials while maintaining the strength required to resist four-wheel drive vehicle attacks, thereby reducing overall system weight.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking system (1) for locking of a room that is provided with at least one and preferably two doors or openings, said locking system (1) comprising a lock holder with a lock and two toothed wheels (6) with teeth (7) for insertion of a locking boom (8) behind the door, and an arresting device that is connected to the lock for arresting the wheels (6) in locked position. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the locking system (1 ) for locking of for instance shipping containers.