Combination Lock Rotary Latch Bolt Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination locks for lockers and similar enclosures face issues such as limited bolt throw, incomplete bolt retraction, and vulnerability to unauthorized entry when the locker frame is bent, along with a limited number of pre-assigned combinations and potential for accidental combination changes.
Innovation Solution
A combination lock design featuring a rotary latch that rotates in a first plane and a bolt that moves along a second plane, engaging the latch to prevent rotation from the locked to unlocked position, with a key-controlled mechanism for changing combinations and a button protection feature to prevent accidental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fully retractable bolt is used, then the bolt can completely retract, but the bolt throw is limited to not more than about 0.25 inches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear bolt movement in one dimension to a rotary latch mechanism operating in a different plane. The rotary latch rotates in a first plane while the bolt moves in a second plane oriented at a different location, effectively adding dimensional complexity to resolve the contradiction between retraction capability and bolt throw length.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a master key mechanism is added to change combinations, then combination changing capability is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master key mechanism serves multiple functions: it can actuate the spring bolt to open the lock without the combination, and it can change the combination to one of several different pre-assigned combinations. This multi-functionality approach addresses the contradiction by providing versatile capability while managing complexity through integrated design.
3Ease of operation
If the locker frame is made flexible enough to be bent outwardly, then the locker can be opened, but unauthorized entry becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotary latch that rotates in a first plane while the bolt moves in a second plane oriented at a different location. This dimensional separation creates a more robust locking mechanism that prevents frame bending from opening the lock, as the bolt and latch operate in different planes, making it impossible for simple frame deformation to simultaneously compromise both locking elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination lock is provided, the lock having a latch movably mounted to a housing of the lock for movement between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a bolt movably mounted to the housing of the lock for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein the combination lock is a key-controlled combination changing permutation lock wherein a button disposed away from a rear exterior surface of the housing in a first direction rearwardly away from the rear exterior surface is depressed in order to change the combination of the combination lock and the housing has a button protection feature extending rearwardly away from the rear exterior surface of the housing in the first direction proximate to the button and the button protection feature extends farther away from the rear exterior surface of the housing in the first direction than the button.