Combination Lock Cover Mechanism for Secure Code Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination locks, such as pushbutton combination locks, require disassembly or specialized tools to access and alter the combination, compromising security and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A combination lock design that allows users to access and alter the combination without tools by using a cover that moves between open and closed positions based on the lock's state, incorporating a cover locking mechanism that requires additional user actions beyond entering the correct combination to open, and utilizing a check slide and catch keeper system for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the combination alteration means are made accessible without disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The combination lock is divided into functional segments: the combination input means, the combination alteration means, and the cover. The cover acts as a separate security barrier that can be opened independently to access the combination alteration means without disassembling the combination input means, thus maintaining security while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to be movable between closed and open positions based on the lock state. When the lock is unlocked, the cover can be opened to allow combination alteration. This dynamic behavior provides conditional access: easy when needed (unlocked state) but secure when not needed (locked state).
2Ease of operation
If the cover is always accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover locking mechanism prevents unauthorized access by automatically locking the cover in the closed position when the lock is engaged. This preliminary anti-action blocks harmful factors (unauthorized access) before they can occur, while allowing legitimate access when the lock is unlocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary element between the user and the combination alteration means. It provides a controlled interface that mediates access: allowing access when the lock is unlocked but blocking access when locked, thus preventing unauthorized modification while maintaining ease of legitimate operation.
3Reliability
If additional user actions are required to open the cover, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover locking mechanism is merged with the existing lock mechanism components. The check slide and catch keeper that control latch bolt actuation are also used to control cover opening. This integration provides enhanced security through additional user actions while avoiding the complexity of a completely separate locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The check slide and catch keeper serve multiple functions: they control both the latch bolt actuation and the cover opening. This multi-functionality provides enhanced security (requiring additional actions to open cover) without adding significant complexity, as the same components perform multiple roles.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention provides a combination lock for locking a closure member, the combination lock comprising 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 comprising 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.