Combination Lock with Dual Coding Angles for Luggage Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination locks, such as those used for suitcases, can be easily opened by unauthorized individuals if they can see the coding and coding angle, which makes it difficult to secure luggage.
Innovation Solution
The combination lock features bearing sleeves with unique coding angles and a dual coding system, where the first coding indicates the test position and the second coding, which is visually or haptically noticeable, reveals the coding angle. This requires the user to rotate each bearing sleeve by its specific coding angle to unlock the lock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coding and coding angle are visible from the outside through openings, then it is easy to determine the key secret and unlock the lock, but unauthorized persons can open the combination lock unnoticed
Solution Approach 1:
The coding system is segmented into two distinct parts: a first coding visible through openings for authorized users to detect test positions, and a second coding (coding angle) that is not visible from outside. This segmentation allows different functions to be performed by different parts of the same coding mechanism, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the bearing sleeve have different properties: the first coding is made visible through openings for easy detection, while the second coding (coding angle) is positioned or designed to remain hidden. This local differentiation of visibility properties allows the lock to serve both authorized users and maintain security simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If all bearing sleeves have the same coding angle, then the lock can be opened by rotating all coding wheels by the same angle, but unauthorized persons can determine the coding angle quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing sleeves are designed with asymmetric coding angles, where each bearing sleeve has a unique coding angle that differs from the others. This asymmetry prevents unauthorized persons from quickly determining the coding angle by simple observation, while still allowing authorized users to unlock the lock by rotating each coding wheel by its specific angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The coding angle parameter is varied for each bearing sleeve, creating a unique set of angular parameters that must be applied to each coding wheel. This parameter variation increases the complexity of unauthorized access while maintaining the functionality of legitimate unlocking through the use of a code that specifies the sequence and angles.
3Ease of operation
If the lock provides visible codes for determining the key secret, then authorized users can easily unlock the lock, but the key secret can be lost or forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The user is prompted to write down the observed codes (first coding and second coding) before attempting to unlock the lock. This preliminary action of recording the visible information ensures that the key secret is preserved and can be used later, preventing loss of information while maintaining ease of determining the secret when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a combination lock which can be moved from a locked position to an open position by means of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is blocked against movement from the locked position to the open position by means of at least three rotatably adjustable bearing sleeves (1, 1a) by at least one bearing sleeve (1, 1a) in a locking position by a locking device (10) of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a). By arranging all bearing sleeves (1, 1a) in a release position, the locking mechanism can be moved from the locked position to the open position. A coding wheel (12) is arranged on each bearing sleeve (1, 1a), projecting partially into an opening (2) in a front cover (4). A test position of the respective bearing sleeves (1, 1a) can be detected through the opening (2) by means of an externally perceptible coding (6) of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a).The release position of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a) is adjustable by rotating the bearing sleeve (1, 1a) through a coding angle of the respective bearing sleeve (1, 1a) starting from the test position of the bearing sleeve (1, 1a). The coding angle of at least two bearing sleeves (1, 1a) differs. Furthermore, the invention relates to a suitcase with such a combination lock.