Universal Box Lock for Meter Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ringless meter box locks are location-specific, requiring separate side and bottom locks, lacking an integral meter seal for security, and often requiring assembly with keys, which complicates installation and increases the risk of key loss or theft.
Innovation Solution
A universal box lock that can be securely mounted to both side and bottom walls of a ringless meter box, incorporating a preloaded barrel lock and a meter seal tab for enhanced security, eliminating the need for separate locks and keys, with a clamping mechanism featuring angled teeth for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate side and bottom locks are used for ringless meter boxes, then each lock can be optimized for its specific location, but utility workers must carry multiple locks and utility companies must stock multiple types, increasing complexity and potential for error
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate both side wall and bottom wall installations. The clamp mechanism includes adjustable arms that can secure to different surfaces, and the mounting plate can be oriented in different directions, allowing a single lock type to replace multiple location-specific locks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If locks are supplied as separate components requiring assembly, then customization and adaptability are improved, but installation complexity increases and keys must be distributed to utility workers, increasing security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The lock components are pre-assembled at the factory with the lock body, clamp mechanism, and mounting plate already connected. The lock arrives as a complete unit requiring only mounting to the meter box, eliminating the need for utility workers to assemble components on-site and eliminating the need for assembly keys.
3Ease of operation
If ringless locks use plastic or metal ferrules instead of an integral meter seal tab, then installation flexibility is improved, but security is reduced as ferrules do not provide the same level of security as a tab
Solution Approach 1:
The meter seal tab is integrated directly into the lock body as a single piece of hardened ductile iron. The tab extends from the lock body and can be mounted to the meter box, combining the security function of a seal with the mounting function of a traditional lock, eliminating the need for separate ferrules while maintaining both security and installation flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal box lock for securing a meter box including a first clamping means, a second clamping means operatively connected to the first clamping means. The second clamping means being movable relative to the first clamping means. The box lock also includes a biasing means for urging the second clamping means toward the first clamping means to secure the box lock to a wall of a meter box placed between the first and second clamping means. Moreover, the box lock includes a body portion, which selectively engages and secures the first and second clamping means to a meter box wall. The first clamping means includes an aperture configured to allow a portion of the second clamping means to extend through the aperture facilitating the attachment of the inventive box lock to a side wall or a bottom wall of a meter box.