Timer-based electronic weapon security apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical electronic weapon security devices face issues with significant power usage and premature solenoid wear due to continuous electrical current application, and they often have weaknesses at the hinge side when locked, compromising security and durability.
Innovation Solution
A weapon security apparatus that controls electric power and current variability by using a solenoid with a first electrical current to retract the latch and a second, lower current to hold it in place, featuring a gate member locking at a distal end and constructed from strong materials like billet metal, with a biasing member and a locking pin for enhanced security and power conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical current is applied to the solenoid for the entire duration to hold the latch retracted, then the latch remains reliably locked, but power usage becomes significant and solenoid wears out prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The controller applies electrical current to the solenoid in periodic pulses rather than continuously. A high current pulse retracts the latch, followed by lower current maintenance pulses that keep the latch retracted without requiring continuous high power. This periodic activation significantly reduces overall power consumption while maintaining reliable latch retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the electrical current applied to the solenoid based on the operational state. High current is applied only during the brief moment needed to retract the latch, then the current is reduced to a minimal level sufficient to maintain the retracted position. This dynamic current adjustment optimizes both reliability and energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If electrical current is applied to the solenoid for the entire duration, then the latch remains locked, but the solenoid wears out prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid is activated in periodic pulses rather than continuously. The controller applies high current only when needed to retract the latch, then uses intermittent low-current pulses to maintain the retracted state. This reduces the cumulative operating time of the solenoid, thereby extending its operational lifespan while maintaining reliable latch locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action (latch retention) through intermittent solenoid activation. Once the latch is retracted, a biasing member such as a spring maintains the retracted position without requiring continuous solenoid power, allowing the solenoid to remain inactive for extended periods and thus extending its lifespan.
3Ease of operation
If the locking pin is placed at the hinge side of the gate, then the gate can be locked, but weakness occurs at the gate when closed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the locking mechanism at the hinge side, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the locking pin at the distal end of the gate, opposite the hinge. This reversal allows the locking force to be applied at the point farthest from the hinge, maximizing the gate's structural strength and avoiding weakness at the closure point while maintaining effective locking capability.
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 apparatus conserves power, extends solenoid lifespan, and provides enhanced security by using a lower holding current and locking the gate member at a distal end, while maintaining strength and convenience through independent operation of the retractable latch and locking pin.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus includes a solenoid configured to retract the retractable latch when activated. The controller is configured to activate the solenoid with a first electrical current for a first period of time during which the retractable latch moves to the retracted position and with a second electrical current for a second period of time during which the retractable latch is held in the retracted position.
Data Source
AI summary
A weapon security apparatus includes a base member and a gate member pivotably coupled to the base member configured to enclose a portion of a weapon. The apparatus further includes a retractable latch, the retractable latch locking the gate member in the closed position when in a non-retracted state and releasing the gate member when in a retracted state. The apparatus also includes a solenoid configured to retract the retractable latch when activated. The apparatus includes a controller configured to activate the solenoid with a first electrical current for a first period of time during which the retractable latch moves to the retracted position and with a second electrical current for a second period of time during which the retractable latch is held in the retracted position.