Combination Lock Cover for Secure Tool-Free Code Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pushbutton combination locks do not allow users to access combination alteration means without disassembling the lock, necessitating the use of tools.
Innovation Solution
A combination lock design that includes a cover movable between open and closed positions, accessible only when the locking mechanism is unblocked, allowing users to alter the combination without tools by entering the correct combination and actuating the latch bolt mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the combination locking mechanism is designed with a fixed cover structure, then the security and protection of the combination alteration means are improved, but the ease of access to the combination alteration means deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be movable between a closed position (providing security) and an open position (providing access). The cover can be opened by inserting a tool into a tool receptacle and actuating a cover actuating mechanism, allowing dynamic transition between secured and accessible states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A tool receptacle and cover actuating mechanism serve as intermediary elements. The tool receptacle accepts a tool (such as a flathead screwdriver) and transmits mechanical force through the cover actuating mechanism to open the cover, mediating between the user's access need and the secure closed state.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is made permanently accessible, then the ease of operation for altering combination is improved, but the security protection of the combination alteration means deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions from a permanently closed secure state to an open accessible state only when the correct combination is entered and the cover actuating mechanism is triggered. This dynamic behavior ensures security is maintained by default while allowing controlled access when authorized.
Solution Approach 2:
The user must first enter the correct combination code before the cover can be opened. This preliminary action verifies authorization and ensures that only the legitimate combination holder can access the combination alteration means, maintaining security while enabling ease of operation for authorized users.
3Reliability
If tooling is required to access the combination alteration means, then the security against unauthorized access is improved, but the ease of operation for authorized users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system serves itself by using the combination code and cover actuating mechanism to automatically grant access to authorized users. Once the correct combination is entered, the system automatically opens the cover without requiring external tools or complex disassembly procedures, making the process self-contained and user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover actuating mechanism serves as an intermediary that translates the combination code input into mechanical motion that opens the cover. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually manipulate internal components or use external tools, simplifying the access process while maintaining security.
4Ease of operation
If the combination alteration means are always accessible, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unauthorized alteration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires the user to first enter the correct combination code as a preliminary action before the cover can be opened. This preliminary verification step ensures that only authorized users can access the combination alteration means, preventing unauthorized alteration while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover actuating mechanism acts as an intermediary barrier that must be overcome to access the combination alteration means. This intermediary mechanism, triggered only by the correct combination code, provides an additional layer of security that prevents unauthorized access while allowing smooth access for authorized users.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a combination lock for locking a closure member. The combination lock comprises a lock assembly comprising a latch bolt and a latch bolt actuating mechanism moveable between a rest state and an actuated state and the combination lock comprising a combination locking mechanism moveable between a blocking state and an unblocking state, and comprises a frame, a combination input means, a combination alteration means, and a cover. The cover is moveably mounted on the frame between an open position in which the combination alteration means are accessible by a user, and a closed position in which the combination alteration means are not accessible by a user, and the cover is moveable from its closed position to its open position when the combination locking mechanism is in its unblocking state and the latch bolt actuation mechanism is in its actuated state.