A Secured Storage Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weapon storage units with locking mechanisms are vulnerable to tampering and allow unauthorized viewing of stored weapons, compromising security and compliance with gun control laws.

Innovation Solution

A storage unit with a cabinet and shutter door system controlled by a controller unit, featuring a cam mechanism and emergency lever that allows simultaneous opening of all compartments for secure access, along with a security door for the emergency lever that requires key access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a key-based locking mechanism is used to secure the cabinet door, then access control is provided, but the locking mechanism becomes vulnerable to tampering

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidtampering vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional key-based locking mechanism from the cabinet door and replaces it with a shutter door system. The locking function is extracted from the door assembly and implemented through a controller unit that operates independently, eliminating the tampering vulnerability associated with physical keys and locks while maintaining security control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical key-based locking system with an automated controller unit that electronically manages the shutter door system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical keys and traditional locking mechanisms, thereby removing the tampering vulnerability inherent in mechanical lock systems while maintaining or enhancing security reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If the cabinet door is made transparent or open for viewing, then weapon visibility is improved, but unauthorized viewing and information leakage occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweapon information protectionVSAvoidweapon viewing accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cabinet into multiple compartments, each with its own independent shutter door. This segmentation allows selective opening of individual compartments rather than requiring full door opening, enabling controlled viewing of specific weapons while maintaining protection of others, thus preventing information leakage while providing necessary accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic shutter doors that can be opened or closed on demand for individual compartments. This dynamic control allows the system to transition between secure closed state and viewing open state as needed, providing weapon visibility when required while maintaining information protection when not in use, unlike static transparent doors that constantly expose contents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If multiple individual locks are installed on each compartment, then access control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompartment access controlVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal controller unit that manages all shutter door compartments through a single integrated system. Instead of requiring separate locking mechanisms for each compartment, the controller unit provides centralized control over multiple compartments, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the ability to control access to individual compartments independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple individual locking functions into a single integrated shutter door system controlled by one controller unit. By combining the control of multiple compartments under one unified system, the patent reduces device complexity while preserving the capability for precise access control to individual compartments through the controller's programming and interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If a traditional locking door is used, then security is provided, but unauthorized viewing through the door is possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess securityVSAvoidinformation leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the single cabinet door into multiple independent shutter doors, one for each compartment. This segmentation allows the shutter doors to be closed while still permitting controlled viewing through openings in the shutter mechanism, providing both security and viewing capability simultaneously, unlike a traditional solid door that must be either fully open or fully closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter door system acts as an intermediary between the secure enclosed space and the external viewing area. The shutter mechanism provides a controlled interface that allows selective viewing of weapon contents while maintaining the security boundary, mediating between the need for visibility and the need for protection against information leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a secure and tamper-proof storage unit that restricts unauthorized access and viewing of stored weapons, enhancing safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a cam mechanism, connected to the horizontal beam member; and, an emergency lever, linked with the cam mechanism, wherein when the emergency lever is rotated to an open configuration, the cam mechanism rotates in similar direction to the emergency lever causing the horizontal beam member to be lifted up

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS20250179859A1A Secured Storage Unit
Publication Date: 2025.06.05 EXTRO CODE SDN BHD
  • US20250179859A1 patent drawing
  • US20250179859A1 patent drawing
  • US20250179859A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a storage unit (10) comprising: a cabinet body (200) comprises: at least one storage compartment (210); a horizontal beam member (230) arranged on one side of the cabinet body (200), a shutter door system (220) having at least one shutter door for each compartment (210) coupled with a mechanism controlled by a controller unit to open or close the shutter door, where the shutter door system (220) is connected to the horizontal beam member (230); a cam mechanism (250), connected to the horizontal beam member (230); and, an emergency lever (260), linked with the cam mechanism (250), wherein in use when the emergency lever (260) is rotated to an open configuration, the cam mechanism (250) rotates in similar direction to the emergency lever (260) causing the horizontal beam member (230) to be lifted up and subsequently pull or push to open all the shutter doors simultaneously so that all the compartments can be accessed.