Cylinder Lock Adapter With Spring Catch for Existing Door Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locks, such as those on storage facility doors, often require modification to accommodate padlocks or other locks, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder lock and adapter system that allows the use of padlocks without modifying the door lock structure, featuring a biased catching mechanism and plunger for manual retraction, enabling secure engagement with existing lock structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a padlock or other lock is used with existing door locks, then locking functionality is achieved, but structural modification of the door lock is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that bridges the padlock and the existing door lock structure. The adapter includes a body with a through-opening that receives the padlock shackle, and a catching mechanism with a movable locking element that engages with the door lock's hasp or latch. This intermediary adapter eliminates the need to modify the original door lock structure while maintaining secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into separate functional components: the existing door lock structure (hasp/latch), the adapter (with catching mechanism), and the padlock. The adapter's body, catching mechanism, and locking element are divided into distinct segments that can be independently designed and assembled, allowing compatibility with various door lock types without requiring modification to the original structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a catching mechanism is added to enable padlock compatibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catching mechanism incorporates a spring-biased locking element that automatically engages with the door lock's hasp or latch when the adapter is inserted. The spring provides self-service by maintaining constant pressure on the locking element to ensure positive engagement, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems. The mechanism self-locks in place through the interaction between the locking element and the hasp/latch geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a complex active locking mechanism that requires power or actuation, the patent inverts the approach by using a passive spring-biased locking element that automatically engages and maintains locking through elastic force. The spring continuously pushes the locking element against the hasp or latch, creating a self-sustaining locking action that simplifies the overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If a spring-biased catching mechanism is used, then reliable locking is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catching mechanism employs a movable locking element that can dynamically adjust its position within the adapter body. The spring-biased design allows the locking element to flex and adapt to slight variations in the door lock's hasp or latch geometry during engagement. This dynamic movement compensates for manufacturing tolerances and ensures reliable locking without requiring extremely tight precision controls on component dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by continuously applying elastic force to the locking element, compensating for minor misalignments and dimensional variations that occur during manufacturing. The spring's elasticity absorbs the energy of minor engagement irregularities, preventing binding or failure to engage. This prior cushioning effect ensures reliable locking while allowing reasonable manufacturing tolerances on the adapter and door lock components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the use of padlocks with existing door locks without structural modifications, providing secure and versatile locking solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring operable to bias the catching mechanism in the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a cylinder lock include a main body component and an extension component, wherein a locking arrangement can be employed to move a locking element at the back of the extension component to lock or unlock the extension component from a lock structure. Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a cylinder lock with a lock adapter having a body and a biased catching mechanism operable to fit within the body near a back end of the lock adapter when in the retracted position and further operable to extend outwardly of the lock adapter body when in the extended position. The catching mechanism can be biased in the extended position and movable to the retracted position by a plunger. The plunger can be moved manually and can be locked in position using a lock such as a padlock with a shackle.