Tamper-Proof Lock Wedge Bolt Shield Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locks lack a tamper-proof solution that is universally adaptable to conventional installations, easy to install without professional help, and economically manufactured, while maintaining security levels similar to dead bolts for emergency egress.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-proof lock design featuring a wedge bolt with an oblique surface and a cooperating shield that is inserted into a strike plate hole, preventing access to the oblique surface and mimicking the functionality of a dead bolt without requiring additional installation or materials, thus enhancing security and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional wedge bolt is used, then the door can be locked and unlocked easily, but the oblique surface of the wedge bolt is accessible and vulnerable to tampering
Solution Approach 1:
A shield component is introduced as an intermediary element between the wedge bolt and the external environment. The shield covers and protects the oblique surface of the wedge bolt, preventing direct access by tampering tools while still allowing the wedge bolt to function properly when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system is divided into separate functional components: the wedge bolt for locking/unlocking and the shield for protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the wedge bolt for mechanical function and the shield for security protection.
2Reliability
If a dead bolt is installed to improve security, then tamper resistance increases, but additional installation work and materials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The shield component serves multiple functions: it protects the wedge bolt from tampering, maintains the aesthetic appearance of the lock, and works with the existing wedge bolt mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dead bolt installations while achieving similar security levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function previously requiring a separate dead bolt is merged into the shield component that works in conjunction with the existing wedge bolt. This combines security protection with the original locking mechanism, eliminating redundant components and installation steps.
3Reliability
If the wedge bolt is made more secure, then tamper proofing improves, but the ease of operation for emergency egress may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed - it moves between covering the wedge bolt during normal operation and retracting when the wedge bolt is actuated. This dynamic behavior ensures automatic access during emergencies while maintaining security during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield continuously protects the wedge bolt during the locked state and continuously allows access during the unlocked state. This continuous adaptation ensures that security and accessibility are maintained at all times without interruption or manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A tamper proof lock mountable to a door and configured to functionally cooperate with a strike plate having a hole that is mounted to a portion of a door frame. The lock comprises a wedge bolt having an oblique surface configured to cooperate with the strike plate. The wedge bolt is configured to be inserted in the hole to retain the door in its closed position. A shield is provided and configured to cooperate with the wedge bolt such that the oblique surface of the wedge bolt is rendered inaccessible when the wedge bolt is disposed in the hole of the strike plate and the oblique surface of the wedge bolt is exposed in anticipation for interaction with the strike plate when the door is not disposed in the closed position.