Car-Shaped Padlock with Dual Locking Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combination padlocks lack innovative designs that can enhance security and marketing appeal, as they typically have traditional shapes and mechanical mechanisms, failing to incorporate object-shaped forms like cars that could improve marketing and security through unique locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A car-shaped padlock with a combination mechanism featuring four combined dials resembling vehicle tires, a locking cable with different ends, and a key mechanism that allows for either captive or non-captive key functionality, providing enhanced security and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional mechanical combination mechanism is used, then the padlock structure is simple, but the security level and marketing appeal are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both combination mechanism and key mechanism into a single padlock body, creating a dual-security system. The combination dials and key cylinder are integrated within the same housing, allowing users to employ either method for locking and unlocking, thereby enhancing security without requiring separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The padlock is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both combination locking and key-based locking capabilities in one device. This universal design allows the padlock to serve multiple security purposes and appeal to different user preferences, addressing the marketing appeal aspect while maintaining structural integration
2Adaptability or versatility
If an object-shaped design (car shape) is implemented, then marketing appeal improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The padlock adopts a car-shaped external cover with curved contours and rounded edges mimicking vehicle aesthetics. The base body and cover are designed with automotive-inspired geometry, transforming a functional locking device into a visually appealing object that enhances marketing appeal while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding techniques
3Reliability
If a captive key mechanism is used, then security is enhanced by preventing key removal, but operational convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The key retention mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The cam and spring system automatically adjusts key retention status based on lock state: maintaining key insertion during locked state for security, and allowing key removal during unlocked state for convenience. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between security and operational ease
4Adaptability or versatility
If both combination and key mechanisms are integrated, then security options increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the combination mechanism and key mechanism are merged into a single integrated padlock body, sharing common structural elements such as the housing, cam, and locking bolt. This integration provides multiple security options while avoiding the complexity of maintaining separate locking devices
Solution Approach 2:
The padlock achieves multi-functionality by incorporating dual locking methods (combination and key) within one device. This universal design allows users to choose their preferred security method while the shared mechanical components minimize overall device complexity
Data Source
Figure 1A
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Figure 5~6B
AI summary
An object padlock having an object looking shaped housing, at least one dial to control the opening of the padlock via a combination mechanism, a locking means such as a cable with one end always in the padlock and another end, such as the flexible-end, that can be locked and opened via the combination mode, at least a cylinder to control the opening of the padlock via a key mechanism which, and a non-captive key mechanism or a captive key mechanism when the padlock operated by the key mechanism to the unlocked mode.