Combination Lock Reset Mechanism for Secondary-Access Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks with secondary locks allow unauthorized access when the key secret or opening code is compromised, particularly in scenarios where users frequently change, such as school lockers or temporary staff in companies, without informing the authorized user.
Innovation Solution
The lock design allows the setting wheels and coupling hubs of the combination lock to be uncoupled and reset to a factory code when the secondary lock is actuated, using heart-shaped cams and shifting levers to disengage the current opening code, ensuring the authorized user is notified of unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a secondary lock is provided to enable opening without the combination lock code, then authorized users can access the lock in emergency situations, but the risk of unauthorized access increases when the key secret is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state parameter of the combination lock by resetting the opening code to a factory default code when the secondary lock is actuated. This parameter change ensures that even if someone obtains the secondary lock key, they cannot repeatedly access the lock without triggering code changes, thereby maintaining security while preserving emergency access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the combination lock code is automatically changed after each secondary lock actuation. This feedback loop informs authorized users of potential unauthorized access attempts and prevents repeated unauthorized access by updating the security parameter (opening code) based on the secondary lock's usage
2Ease of operation
If the secondary lock can open the lock without changing the combination code, then emergency access is enabled, but unauthorized users can repeatedly access the lock without detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to authorized users by changing the combination lock code after secondary lock actuation. This feedback mechanism allows authorized users to detect when the secondary lock has been used, enabling them to identify potential unauthorized access attempts while still maintaining emergency access functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If the combination lock code remains unchanged after secondary lock actuation, then the lock can be opened repeatedly by the secondary key, but the authorized user is not notified of unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter change by resetting the combination lock code to a factory default code when the secondary lock is actuated. This ensures that while the secondary lock provides access flexibility for emergency situations, it simultaneously maintains access control reliability by preventing repeated unauthorized access through code changes that notify authorized users
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (1) for containers, doors, cabinets, furniture, or the like, which locking device has a lock plate (4), on which a combination lock (7), which has setting wheels (9), and a secondary lock (8) are arranged, and a stator (3), in relation to which the lock plate (4) having the combination lock (7) and the secondary lock (8) is rotatably arranged, the lock plate (4) having the combination lock (7) arranged thereon and with the secondary lock (8) arranged thereon being able to freely rotate 360 degrees relative to the stator (3) in the locked state of the locking device (1). In order to indicate opening of the locking device (1) by actuation of the secondary lock (8) to a person possessing the opening code of the combination lock (7), according to the invention, when the locking device (1) is opened by means of the secondary lock (8), the setting wheels (9) and coupling hubs (11) of the combination lock (7), which coupling hubs are associated with the setting wheels and can be axially moved relative to the setting wheels, can be uncoupled and an opening code of the combination lock (7) can be reset from an opening code set by means of the secondary lock (8) at the time of the opening of the locking device (1) to a specified factory code.