Universal Lock Sliding Stop Mechanism Shock Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock mechanisms, such as those using linear solenoids, are insufficient in preventing unauthorized access due to shock or physical tampering, which can cause the plunger to retract without entering the correct combination, allowing unauthorized access into secure safes.
Innovation Solution
A universal lock with a sliding stop mechanism featuring a rotatable D-shaped cam engagement means and a U-shaped slider, translating rotary movement into linear motion, which is biased to block the locking bolt from unlocking unless the correct combination is entered, ensuring secure and reliable access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a linear solenoid is used to control the locking bolt, then the lock can be unlocked by entering the correct combination, but the plunger may retract due to shock or physical tampering without entering the correct combination, allowing unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
A cam mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the solenoid plunger and the locking bolt. The cam converts the linear motion of the plunger into rotary motion, and only when the cam rotates to a specific position does it allow the locking bolt to move. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the bolt can only be unlocked when the correct combination is entered, preventing unauthorized access through shock or tampering.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses a dynamic cam that rotates based on the position of the plunger. The cam has different positions that correspond to locked and unlocked states. When the plunger is in the retracted position (correct combination entered), the cam rotates to allow the bolt to move. When the plunger is extended (incorrect combination or shock), the cam blocks the bolt movement. This dynamic positioning ensures security while allowing proper unlocking.
2Reliability
If the plunger is extended to engage the locking bolt, then the safe is secured, but the extended plunger is vulnerable to shock causing retraction and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary that decouples the direct connection between the plunger and the locking bolt. The cam translates the plunger's linear position into a rotary position, and only at specific cam positions can the bolt move. This intermediary protects the system from shock-induced unauthorized access because the bolt remains blocked unless the cam is in the correct position, which only occurs when the plunger is properly retracted through the correct combination sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct linear mechanical connection between the plunger and locking bolt is replaced with a cam-based rotary mechanism. This substitution transforms the vulnerability of linear extension/retraction into a controlled rotary motion system where the bolt can only move when the cam is in the specific unlocked position, thereby replacing a shock-vulnerable mechanical system with a more secure mechanism.
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 sliding stop mechanism provides enhanced security by reliably blocking access under force and shock, ensuring that only authorized users can open the safe by requiring the correct combination to bypass the blocking member, thus preventing unauthorized entry.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable cam engagement means translates the rotary movement of the actuator into linear motion of the substantially U-shaped in cross section slider
Implementation Method 2
a sliding stop mechanism normally biased in a blocking position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A lock having a housing defining a cavity with first and second opposing side walls and an opening for receiving a locking bolt, the locking bolt moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is provided. The lock includes a rotary actuator having a rotary output and responsive to entry of an electronic combination input by a user; and a sliding stop mechanism responsive to said rotary output and moveable between a blocking position for blocking said locking bolt in the locked position and an unblocking position for allowing said locking bolt to move into said unlocked position.