Cable Lock Dual Unlocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locks lack a mechanism to easily release the cable for inspection purposes, requiring a special key for TSA agents, and do not allow for easy resetting or changing of combination codes.
Innovation Solution
A cable lock design featuring a shaft and fixed cam with a combination mechanism for releasing the first cable end and a key overriding mechanism for the second cable end, allowing for locked and unlocked modes, and enabling resetting and changing of combination codes by aligning shaft protrusions with clutch openings and using a blocking plate and rotatable cam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional lock uses a single key mechanism for both security and inspection, then the lock structure is simple, but it cannot provide both user-defined combination security and TSA inspection capability simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body is divided into two independent unlocking systems: a combination mechanism with dials and clutches for user-defined security, and a key overriding mechanism with a cylinder for TSA inspection. Each system operates independently through separate cable ends, allowing both functionalities to coexist without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock body serves multiple functions by incorporating both a combination locking system and a key override system. The first cable end provides user-defined combination security while the second cable end enables TSA inspection capability, making the lock versatile for both security and inspection purposes.
2Ease of operation
If a lock uses a fixed combination mechanism, then it provides security, but it cannot be easily reset or have combination codes changed
Solution Approach 1:
The combination mechanism incorporates movable clutches with opening gaps that can be dynamically repositioned. When the shaft protrusions align with the clutch opening gaps, the clutches can rotate, allowing the dials to be repositioned to set new combination codes. This dynamic capability enables easy resetting while maintaining security through the controlled mechanical engagement.
3Ease of operation
If a lock requires a special key for TSA inspection, then inspection capability is provided, but the user cannot easily release the cable for inspection purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into two separate ends with independent release mechanisms. The first cable end is controlled by the combination mechanism for user-defined security, while the second cable end is controlled by the key overriding mechanism for TSA inspection. This segmentation allows the cable to be released for inspection purposes without compromising the combination security setting.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the lock uses a single cable end for locking, then the structure is simple, but it does not allow independent control for different unlocking purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is configured with two distinct ends: the first cable end engages with the shaft through the combination mechanism, and the second cable end engages with the fixed cam through the key overriding mechanism. This segmentation enables independent control for different unlocking purposes, allowing users to maintain combination security while enabling TSA inspection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock has a cable engageable with a lock body. The cable has two ends, each of which has a cable neck. The lock has a shaft operatively engaged with a stack of clutches and a plurality of dials. The shaft has a top portion with a shaft slot engageable with the cable neck on the first cable end. The first cable end can be released from the lock body with a combination mechanism. The lock has a fixed cam having a cam slot engageable with the cable neck of the second cable end. The lock further comprises a blocking plate slideably engaged with the fixed cam, and a rotatable cam configured to control the positions of the blocking plate. The rotatable cam is connected to a cylinder operable with a key to rotate the rotatable cam to release the second cable end from the fixed cam slot.