Worm-Gear Enclosure Lock With Blocker Against Unauthorized Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking mechanisms for safes and security structures are vulnerable to unauthorized unlocking using conventional safe-cracking techniques or sophisticated equipment that applies electrical or magnetic fields, mechanical forces, or accelerations to manipulate locking elements.

Innovation Solution

A geometrically compact, electrically autonomous locking mechanism that includes a lock bolt, a lever arm, a rotary element, a worm gear driven by a motor, a face gear, and a blocker member, which are interconnected to provide secure locking and unlocking operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is vulnerable to unauthorized unlocking using safe-cracking techniques or sophisticated equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against unauthorized unlockingVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent components including a lock bolt, lever arm, rotary element, worm gear, face gear, and blocker member. Each component performs a specific function and works together to achieve secure locking while maintaining individual simplicity for manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A blocker member is introduced as an intermediary component that selectively blocks the rotation of the face gear. This blocker member prevents unauthorized manipulation of the locking mechanism while allowing authorized operation through the worm gear, thereby enhancing security without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a motor-driven worm gear system is used, then unauthorized manipulation is prevented, but the device requires electrical power and becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to manipulationVSAvoidelectrical and mechanical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional purely mechanical locking system is replaced with an electromechanical system where a motor drives a worm gear to rotate the face gear. This substitution provides controlled, programmable operation that resists manipulation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of standard motor and gear components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including the motor-driven rotation of the face gear and the selective engagement/disengagement of the blocker member. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt between locked and unlocked states while providing active resistance to unauthorized manipulation attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple interconnected components are used, then secure locking operations are achieved, but the device occupies more space and has more parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure locking and unlocking operationsVSAvoidlocking mechanism volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism components are arranged in a nested configuration where the lock bolt, lever arm, and rotary element are positioned within or around each other. The worm gear and face gear are nested within the same spatial envelope, minimizing the overall volume occupied by the mechanism while maintaining all necessary functional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions are combined into single components where possible. For example, the face gear serves both as a transmission element for the worm gear and as a component that can be blocked by the blocker member. The lever arm connects the lock bolt movement to the rotary element engagement, combining several mechanical functions in one element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250290349A1Device and methods for preventing unwanted access to a locked enclosure

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 LOCK II LLC

AI summary

A device for preventing unwanted opening of a locked enclosure includes a lock bolt moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A face gear is meshable with and rotatable by the worm gear between locking and unlocking positions when the worm gear is driven in the first and second directions, respectively. A blocker member is rotatable between first and second positions. A biasing member is operatively coupled to the face gear and the blocker member to bias the blocker member in a biasing direction. A sliding member selectively disengages the blocker member to allow the blocker member to rotate in the biasing direction. A lever arm is operatively coupled to the sliding member such that the lever arm is in the disengaged and engageable positions when the sliding member engages the blocker member in the first and second positions, respectively.