Vehicle Security Lock with Segmented Clamp Jaws

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security locking devices for vehicles, such as truck or van loading compartments, are vulnerable to unauthorized access and deformation-induced failures, as they rely on cable systems and limited contact surfaces, which can be exploited by burglars and compromised by structural deformations.

Innovation Solution

A security locking device featuring a crank mechanism for internal operation, a two-halves clip or claw design with independent spring-actuated jaws, and protective casings to enhance contact surface and security, eliminating the need for cable systems and incorporating both mechanical and electronic locking mechanisms with a common or independent actuator system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sliding latch enters into a groove made along the perimetral surface of a section of the bolt's side, then the device can be automatically closed without key, but the contact surface is limited and can be exploited by burglars through drilling or deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic closingVSAvoidsecurity against burglary
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into two independent halves (jaws) that can move independently relative to each other. Each jaw is actuated by its own spring and can grip the bolt separately, creating multiple contact points and increasing the complexity for potential bypass attempts while maintaining automatic closing functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp transitions from a single-point or line contact (sliding latch in groove) to a multi-dimensional enveloping grip where two jaws surround the bolt from opposite sides, creating contact at multiple locations and angles, thereby increasing security against drilling and deformation attacks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a cable system is used to open the lock from inside, then the opening mechanism is simple, but it can be accessed and manipulated from the exterior by burglars

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening mechanismVSAvoidexterior access to lock mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable system is completely removed from the mechanism. Instead, a crank is introduced that operates from the interior, extracting the vulnerable cable component and replacing it with a mechanism that cannot be accessed from the exterior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The crank serves as an intermediary mechanism between the interior opening action and the clamp release. It converts rotational motion into the linear motion needed to actuate the eccentric plate and release the clamp, while remaining inaccessible from the exterior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single spring actuates both clamp jaws, then the mechanism is simpler, but the closing force and security are reduced compared to independent springs for each jaw

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring actuation systemVSAvoidclosing force
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The single spring system is segmented into two independent springs, one for each jaw. This allows each jaw to be actuated independently with optimal force, ensuring both jaws close securely and can be opened independently if one encounters resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each jaw receives its own dedicated spring, providing localized force optimization. This ensures that each contact point with the bolt has sufficient independent closing force, enhancing overall security while allowing asymmetric operation if needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution significantly enhances security by increasing the contact surface and leverage resistance, preventing unauthorized external access and deformation-induced failures, while allowing secure internal operation without cable reliance and providing dual locking mechanisms for reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a clamp (5) with jaws (8) which define a grip that surrounds all or most of the narrow section (11), when in the closed position... The clamp will also open when the bolt's head moves against the edge of the clamp's gripping area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3489441B1Security lock for vehicles
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 INDULOCKS CERRADURAS IND SL
  • EP3489441B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3489441B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3489441B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a security lock for vehicles, specially for cargo compartments of lorries or vans, but also usable on the doors. The lock system uses a clamp having two halves or plates such that the same hold a bolt, icreasing the contact area in the event of a posible attack or leverage,and if the Surface of the vehicle becomes deformed , the two halves jam the bolt, further increasing security and reducing the possibility of opening, using this invention, the system of inside opening by means of a cable is eliminated. Now opening from the inside is performed by rotating a shaft ord handle perpendicular to the Surface of the vehicle, preventing the vehicle from being accessed from the outside