Digital Output Lock with Sensor-Driven Dial Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination lock mechanisms lack a user-friendly method to monitor and confirm the correct dial positions, potentially leading to incorrect combination entry and increased security risks.
Innovation Solution
A digital readout system integrated into the lock assembly, featuring a rotatable combination dial with a sensor and display screen that shows the dial's position, allowing users to verify alignment through both physical and digital indicia, and a microcontroller to synchronize and display the correct combination entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a digital readout system is integrated into the lock assembly, then user confidence and accuracy in entering the correct combination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical combination dial with a digital readout system into a single integrated lock assembly. The sensor is positioned to detect the rotational position of the combination dial, and the display screen is integrated into the lock body to show the dial position digitally. This merging of mechanical and electronic components resolves the contradiction by providing precise digital indication while maintaining a unified, manageable device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary component between the mechanical dial and the digital display. The sensor detects the rotational position of the dial and converts it into signals that can be processed and displayed digitally. This intermediary element enables accurate position measurement without requiring direct complex mechanical-to-digital conversion, thus improving measurement precision while managing device complexity.
2Loss of information
If a sensor and display screen are added to the lock assembly, then feedback to the user is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the sensor continuously monitors the rotational position of the combination dial and the display screen provides real-time visual feedback to the user. This feedback mechanism ensures that users can confirm they are entering the correct combination by observing the digital display match the physical dial position, thereby reducing information loss and improving combination entry accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly comprising a lock body, a shackle, and a locking member configured to selectively lock the shackle relative to the lock body. At least one combination dial is rotatable between various combination positions. The at least one combination dial is associated with the locking member and is configured such that entry of a given series of combination positions causes the locking member to unlock the shackle relative to the lock body. A sensor is configured to sense the rotational position of the al least one combination dial. A display screen is associated with the sensor and is configured to display a position indicia which corresponds to the rotational position of the at least one combination dial.