Universal Lock Sliding Stop Mechanism Shock Tampering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic lock mechanisms, such as those using linear solenoids, are vulnerable to unauthorized access due to shock or physical tampering, which can cause the plunger to retract without the correct combination being entered, leading to insufficient protection against unauthorized entry into secure safes or containers.

Innovation Solution

A universal lock with a sliding stop mechanism that includes a rotatable member with a camming surface and a U-shaped slider, which translates rotary movement into linear movement, providing a blocking and unblocking mechanism to securely maintain the locking bolt in a locked position until the correct combination is entered, ensuring reliable access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a linear solenoid is used to control the locking bolt, then the lock mechanism is simple and cost-effective, but the plunger can retract due to shock or physical tampering without the correct combination being entered, compromising security

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity and cost-effectiveness of lock mechanismVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A blocking member is introduced as an intermediary component between the plunger and the locking bolt. This blocking member prevents the locking bolt from moving to the unlocked position unless the plunger is in the retracted position. The blocking member acts as a mediator that ensures the correct combination must be entered before the locking mechanism can be disengaged, even if the plunger retracts due to shock or tampering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member is positioned in advance to block the locking bolt's movement path. Before the locking bolt can be moved to the unlocked position, the blocking member must first be moved out of the way by the plunger retracting to its retracted position. This preliminary blocking action ensures that even if the plunger retracts unexpectedly, the locking bolt remains secured until the proper sequence of operations is completed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the plunger is allowed to move freely in response to shock, then the mechanism responds to external forces, but unauthorized access is enabled because the locking bolt can be released without the correct combination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to external forcesVSAvoidunauthorized access through shock or tampering

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member provides a preliminary counter-action to any attempt to move the locking bolt to the unlocked position. Even if the plunger moves in response to shock or tampering, the blocking member remains in place and prevents the locking bolt from moving unless the plunger is in the retracted position. This preliminary anti-action neutralizes the harmful effect of unexpected plunger movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential harm of plunger retraction due to shock or tampering into a beneficial security feature. By requiring the plunger to be in the retracted position before the locking bolt can move, any unexpected plunger movement actually reinforces the security mechanism, ensuring that the correct combination must still be entered to unlock the safe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If a blocking mechanism is added to prevent plunger retraction, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member serves multiple functions within the lock mechanism. It blocks the locking bolt from moving to the unlocked position, guides the plunger's movement, and ensures the correct operational sequence is followed. By making the blocking member multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still providing enhanced security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively prevents unauthorized access by ensuring the locking bolt can only be unlocked with the correct combination, providing enhanced security against physical tampering and shock-induced retraction issues, while being simple to assemble and cost-efficient.

Implementation Method 1

a rotatable member with a camming surface and a U-shaped slider, which translates rotary movement into linear movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS10480217B2Universal lock with sliding blocking mechanism

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 Q SECURITY LLC

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 blocking mechanism responsive to said rotary output and moveable between a blocking position for blocking the locking bolt in the locked position and an unblocking position for allowing the locking bolt to move into the unlocked position.