Chain Lock with Winding Linkage and Spherical Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chain locks with linkage mechanisms fail to optimize both volume reduction and appearance in their collapsed state, lacking design consideration for aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A chain lock design featuring a lock body with a combination lock core, socket, and linkage chain where the linkage chain can be wound around the lock body, secured by a latch and positioning mechanism, and an elastic unit, allowing for compact storage and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the chain lock is designed with a linkage chain that can be wound around the lock body, then the volume of the lock is reduced, but the appearance in collapsed state may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage chain is designed to be wound around and nested within the lock body structure, with the chain links fitting into the spatial arrangement of the lock body. This nesting approach allows the chain to be stored compactly within the overall lock volume while maintaining a neat and aesthetically pleasing collapsed appearance, rather than protruding outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock body is designed with a substantially spherical outer shape, and the linkage chain is configured to wrap around this curved surface. The spherical geometry provides optimal space utilization for winding the chain while presenting a uniform, attractive appearance from all angles in the collapsed state, avoiding awkward protrusions or irregular shapes.
2Volume of moving object
If the linkage chain is wound around the lock body, then the volume is reduced, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes the natural tension and positioning of the wound linkage chain to automatically engage with the lock body structure. The chain's own geometry and the way it wraps around the lock body create inherent mechanical interlocking, reducing the need for additional complex locking components while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional complex mechanical locking systems with a simpler combination of the wound chain configuration and minimal locking elements. The spherical lock body with its specific geometry provides structural constraints that simplify the locking mechanism, substituting elaborate mechanical interlocks with geometric constraints and basic latching.
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
The solution effectively reduces the volume of the chain lock while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance in the collapsed state, ensuring secure locking and ease of use through the combination lock mechanism and elastic unit.
Implementation Method 1
The lock body further has an elastic unit disposed between the cap and the first end
Data Source
AI summary
The chain lock of the present invention includes a lock body and a linkage chain. The lock body has a combination lock core and a socket, wherein the combination lock core has a plurality of discs. The linkage chain is formed via linking a plurality of link plates and has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is joined with the lock body. The second end portion can be inserted into and secured to the socket. The combination lock core locks the second end portion when the second end portion has been inserted into the socket The linkage chain can be wound around the lock body when the second end portion is unlocked.