Compound Lock with Dual Electronic and Mechanical Cores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locks are limited to a single unlocking method, which can lead to inconvenience and security issues, such as being unable to unlock if the key is lost or if the electronic lock malfunctions, and are vulnerable to picking due to their mechanical design.
Innovation Solution
A compound lock with two lock cores, one unlocked electronically and the other mechanically, which can drive a shared latch tongue for unlocking, offering flexibility and enhanced security through three configurations: simultaneous driving, connection to an output unit, or independent unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional lock uses a single unlocking method (key or electronic code), then the lock structure is simple, but the convenience and reliability are reduced because the lock cannot be unlocked if the key is lost or the electronic lock malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a first lock core (electronic unlocking mechanism) and a second lock core (mechanical key unlocking mechanism) into a single compound lock body. Both lock cores share a common latch tongue and housing structure, allowing the lock to be unlocked through either electronic signals or mechanical keys, thereby providing multiple unlocking methods while avoiding complete structural duplication
Solution Approach 2:
The latch tongue is designed to be universally actuated by both the first output portion (from electronic lock core) and the second output portion (from mechanical lock core). This universal design allows a single latch tongue to respond to multiple unlocking inputs, enabling the lock to serve multiple unlocking functions without requiring separate independent locking mechanisms for each method
2Reliability
If a conventional lock uses a simple mechanical structure with elastic elements and latch tongues, then the manufacturing is easy, but the security is reduced because the lock can be picked by striking it from different angles
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is segmented into two independent lock cores (first lock core and second lock core) that both act on the same latch tongue. This segmentation creates multiple independent security barriers - an experienced thief would need to overcome both the electronic and mechanical locking systems, significantly increasing the difficulty of picking or forcing the lock compared to a singlemechanical system
Solution Approach 2:
The latch tongue serves as an intermediary element that transmits the unlocking action from either lock core to the arch bolt. By requiring activation of the latch tongue through either the first or second lock core, the system creates an additional layer of security that prevents direct mechanical manipulation of the arch bolt, thereby resisting picking attempts
3Ease of operation
If each cabinet has its own key for unlocking, then the security is maintained, but the operation becomes troublesome when unlocking multiple cabinets one by one
Solution Approach 1:
The compound lock structure enables a single electronic lock to control multiple separate physical locks (cabinets). The electronic control system can simultaneously or sequentially activate multiple latch tongues through the shared electronic core, allowing one electronic key to unlock multiple cabinets without compromising the security of each individual cabinet
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic control compound lock can be unlocked both electronically and mechanically. The lock comprises two lock cores (10, 20) and at least one movable or rotatable latch tongue (30). The two lock cores (10, 20) are respectively unlocked mechanically or electronically through electronically signals. In the first configuration of the lock, the lock cores (10, 20) are driven with each other and one of them unlocks the latch tongue (30). In the second configuration, the lock cores (10, 20) connect an output unit (60), which unlocks the latch tongue (30). In the third configuration, the two lock cores (10, 20) respectively unlock the latch tongue (30). In either configuration, when one of the lock cores (10, 20) is unlocked, the latch tongue (30) can be unlocked. Furthermore, a plurality locks are unlocked simultaneously through electronic signals, being convenient to use.