Cable Lock Single Knob Switch for Fixed and Adjustable Loop Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable locks allow belt adjustment even when locked, potentially damaging secured objects and are inconvenient to operate due to multiple buttons, leading to increased operation time and user confusion.
Innovation Solution
A cable lock design featuring a single switch operated by a knob, allowing modes for fixed-length locking, adjustable clinched mode, and unlocked detachment, using a rotatable body to interact with clamp units to simplify operation and prevent accidental tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons are used to control different clamp members, then the cable lock can achieve fixed length locking and adjustment functions, but the operation complexity increases and user confusion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clamp members (first clamp member for fixing belt length, second clamp member for securing buckle) into a single integrated locking mechanism controlled by one button. When the button is pressed, both clamp members are simultaneously actuated to release or secure their respective components, eliminating the need for multiple separate operations and reducing user confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The single button on the lock body serves multiple functions: it controls both the first clamp member to adjust belt length and the second clamp member to secure or release the buckle. This multi-functional design allows one component to perform what previously required separate controls, simplifying the user interface while maintaining full functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the belt can be adjusted after locking, then the cable lock offers flexibility, but the secured object may be damaged by accidental tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary anti-action by designing the clamp members to maintain continuous engagement with the belt and buckle after locking. The first clamp member fixes the belt at a specific length, and the second clamp member secures the buckle in place, preventing any subsequent accidental adjustment or tightening that could damage the secured object.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp members act as protective mechanisms that prevent harmful accidental adjustments before they can occur. By securing the belt length and buckle position in advance, the system cushions against potential damage to the enclosed object from unintended belt tightening.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate buttons are used for different clamp members, then each function can be controlled independently, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of two separate buttons into a single button mechanism. Pressing this single button simultaneously actuates both the first clamp member (for belt length control) and the second clamp member (for buckle security), reducing the number of操作步骤 from two to one and eliminating the time required to operate separate controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The single button is designed to preliminarily prepare and simultaneously execute both clamping actions. When pressed, it pre-coordinates the release or engagement of both clamp members, ensuring that both functions are performed in one swift motion rather than requiring sequential operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable lock includes a belt, a lock body, a first clamp unit, a second clamp unit, and a switch unit. The belt has a buckle unit at one end thereof. The lock body has a hole for the belt to pass therethrough and a slot for receiving the buckle unit, wherein the belt and the lock body are together capable of forming a closed loop. The first clamp unit for fixing the belt in the hole is movably disposed in the lock body while the second clamp unit for retaining the buckle unit in the slot is movably disposed in the lock body. The switch unit is rotatably disposed on the lock body and capable of enabling the cable lock to operate in a locked mode, a clinched mode, or an unlocked mode. When the cable lock operates in the locked mode, the first clamp unit fixes the belt in the hole and the second clamp unit retains the buckle unit in the slot so that the closed loop has a fixed length. When the cable lock operates in the clinched mode, the first clamp unit releases the fixing of the belt to allow the closed loop to have an adjustable length. When the cable lock operates in the unlocked mode, the second clamp unit releases the buckle unit so that the belt can be detachable from the lock unit.