Interchangeable-Shackle Ball Lock With Controlled Rotor Position
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball-tipped padlocks with interchangeable shackles suffer from security vulnerabilities due to accidental extraction of the shackle when the padlock is opened and rotated 180°, compromising reliability and security.
Innovation Solution
A ball lock with interchangeable shackle and cylinder design featuring a secondary pocket on the long leg and a torsion spring that requires a specific angular position and key manipulation to extract or install the shackle, preventing accidental disengagement by ensuring the rotor returns to a neutral position without external force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the padlock allows easy access to shackle interchangeability by permitting extraction when the opening rotation is exceeded, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security and reliability deteriorate due to accidental extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of rotor angular position to control shackle extraction. The rotor must be turned to a specific angular position (different from the simple rotation threshold) to align the ball with the pocket, enabling extraction. This precise parameter control ensures that extraction only occurs when deliberately positioned, preventing accidental removal while maintaining interchangeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism consisting of the ball and pocket system that mediates between the rotor position and shackle extraction. The ball must be received in the pocket at the correct angular position to allow extraction, acting as a controlled intermediary that prevents direct or accidental removal while enabling intentional interchangeability.
2Device complexity
If the padlock uses a simple rotation mechanism to enable shackle extraction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental extraction when open
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the angular position parameter of the rotor to control extraction. Instead of a simple rotation threshold, the rotor must reach a specific angular position where the ball aligns with the pocket. This parameter change adds a layer of control that prevents accidental extraction while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention requires preliminary action of turning the rotor to a specific angular position before extraction can occur. This preliminary positioning action ensures that extraction is deliberate and controlled, preventing accidental removal while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple through the use of existing rotational components.
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
Enhances security by requiring a deliberate and controlled sequence to change the shackle, reducing the risk of accidental extraction and maintaining reliable locking.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring which is arranged on the driver and ensures the return of the rotor to a neutral position allowing the engagement and disengagement of the key
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a ball lock with an interchangeable shackle comprising: - a set of balls which cooperate with diametrically opposed pockets of the driver, as well as with pockets provided on the legs of the shackle, - a secondary pocket provided on the long leg (3a) to receive the ball which corresponds to it, in a position allowing extraction where the shackle (3) is open and pivoted at a given angle on the body (1) of the lock, relative to its closed position on the body (1) of the lock, - a third pocket on the driver (6) being adapted to receive the ball in a given angular position of the rotor, when an operator seeks to disengage the long leg (3a) relative to the body (1) once the ball has been received in the secondary pocket.The extraction or placement of the long leg (3a) of a loop (3) is only permitted when the U-shaped loop (3) is in this extraction position and an operator exerts a force on the key which opposes the force of the torsion spring and maintains the rotor in its angular position where the ball opposite the bore of the long leg (3a) is received in the third pocket (14) on the driver.