Dual Locking Padlock with Curved Shackle Trigger
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing padlock technologies face issues such as accidental combination changes, high production costs, contamination damage, inability to prevent security personnel from opening locks, and lack of a reliable indicator for when the key portion is used, leading to security and usability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A dual locking system with a uniquely constructed shackle and trigger mechanism that allows independent operation via both combination and key, featuring arcuately curved zones for controlled movement and an activation alert system to notify users when the key is used, ensuring secure and visible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a combination lock is used to provide ease of operation, then the lock can be opened without a key, but the combination can be accidentally altered without user knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both combination lock and key lock mechanisms into a single integrated system. The key lock portion provides a backup method to prevent accidental combination changes, while the combination lock portion maintains ease of operation. Both mechanisms work together to secure the shackle, ensuring that neither can independently alter the locked state without the other's consent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates an alert system that provides feedback to the user when the key lock portion is activated. This alert (visual, audible, or tactile) informs the user that the key has been used, allowing them to detect and respond to unauthorized or accidental key usage that might indicate combination alteration attempts.
2Reliability
If dual locking systems are incorporated to provide security, then the lock becomes more secure, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two locking systems (combination and key) into a single integrated mechanism where both control the same shackle. Rather than having separate locking systems that require separate shackles or complex coordination, the invention combines them so that both must be satisfied to release the shackle, reducing overall complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The shackle serves multiple functions: it is controlled by both the combination lock mechanism and the key lock mechanism, and it also serves as the mounting point for the alert system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity and production costs.
3Loss of information
If an alert system is added to indicate key usage, then user awareness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alert system is integrated into the existing key lock mechanism rather than being a separate independent system. The alert function is coupled with the key insertion and rotation actions, allowing the same mechanical movements that operate the key lock to also trigger the alert. This integration minimizes additional components while providing effective notification.
4Strength
If the shackle is made robust to prevent breaking, then security is improved, but the weight and size of the padlock increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spring-loaded arms with adjustable tension to secure the shackle in the locked position. By using elastic deformation and spring force rather than purely rigid mechanical constraints, the system achieves strong holding power without requiring excessive material thickness or weight in the shackle itself. The spring mechanism allows the shackle to be secure when locked while remaining relatively lightweight.
Data Source
AI summary
By providing a single housing and shackle assembly constructed for enabling the shackle to be opened and/or closed using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activating tumbler construction, with the movement of the shackle being controlled by a trigger member, an effective, easily produced, padlock is achieved which incorporates two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock. In addition, the trigger member and shackle each incorporate uniquely constructed, cooperating surfaces, each of which comprise a grooved zone or concave curved zone which is positioned directly adjacent a cooperating convexly curved zone. By employing these two curved surfaces on both the shackle and trigger member, the controlled pivotal movement of the shackle is realized.