Transferable Lock Coupling Mechanism to Prevent Unauthorized Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks for securing energy storage devices on vehicles are prone to unintentional unlocking due to vibrations or forced manipulation, compromising security and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism with a coupling element that moves perpendicular to the bolt, allowing manual operation via an actuating element, and featuring a decoupling state to prevent unauthorized unlocking, combined with a locking element to enhance security and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional lock with separate key and lockbody is used, then the lock can be secured, but the lock cannot be transferred to another person without leaving the original lock behind
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is divided into two separable parts: a lockbody containing the locking mechanism and a key containing the actuating element. This segmentation allows the lock to be transferred by transferring only the key, while the lockbody remains with the original owner. The coupling element on the lockbody can be decoupled from the key's actuating element, enabling independent transfer of the key without leaving the lockbody behind.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary between the key and the locking mechanism. When coupled to the actuating element, it transmits the unlocking action to the bolt. When decoupled, it allows the key to be separated from the lockbody. This intermediary mechanism enables the lock to function as a transferable item while maintaining security.
2Ease of operation
If the key and lockbody are made inseparable, then the lock structure is simple, but the lock cannot be transferred to another person
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is segmented into transferable key and non-transferable lockbody. The key with actuating element can be independently transferred to another person, while the lockbody remains with the original owner. This segmentation maintains operational simplicity while enabling transferability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex transfer mechanism is implemented, then the lock can be transferred, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is divided into simple, separable components (key with actuating element and lockbody with coupling element). This segmentation enables transferability without requiring complex mechanisms, as the transfer simply involves exchanging the key component.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is extracted from the lockbody and placed in the key. This extraction allows the key to be transferred independently, while the lockbody retains its structural simplicity. The coupling element on the lockbody can be decoupled from the actuating element, enabling easy transfer without complex mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If the bolt is directly actuated by the key, then the lock structure is simple, but the key cannot be separated from the lockbody
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element serves as an intermediary that connects the actuating element in the key to the bolt in the lockbody. When the key is inserted, the actuating element engages with the coupling element, which then moves the bolt. This intermediary mechanism allows the key to be separated from the lockbody while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into the key (with actuating element), the coupling element on the lockbody, and the bolt. This segmentation allows the key to be separated from the lockbody while maintaining operational simplicity, as each component has a specific, straightforward function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lock with a locking mechanism comprising a bolt that is movable between a locking position, intended to secure a counterpart movable relative to the locking mechanism, and an unlocking position, intended to release the counterpart, and with an actuating element for manually moving the bolt into the unlocking position. The lock also comprises a coupling element that is transferable between a coupling state, in which it is coupled to the bolt, and a decoupling state, in which it is movable relative to the bolt, and which can be moved from a passive position to an active position by means of the actuating element, wherein the bolt can be moved into the unlocking position by moving the coupling element, which is in the coupling state, from the passive position to the active position by means of the actuating element.