Dual Locking Padlock with Integrated Dial and Key Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing padlock technologies face issues such as accidental combination changes, key loss, high production costs, contamination exposure, and the inability to be opened by security personnel, leading to potential lock breakage during inspections.
Innovation Solution
A dual locking system padlock with a single shackle assembly, featuring a combination-controlled and key-controlled locking mechanism, using a minimum number of components to ensure secure operation and prevent contamination, allowing either mode to release the shackle, and a Master Key for security personnel access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a combination lock system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental combination changes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into two independent subsystems: a combination locking mechanism and a key locking mechanism. Each subsystem operates independently with its own locking members and control elements, allowing the user to rely on one system if the other fails or is compromised
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from a single locking mechanism to a dual-mechanism system with different operating modes (combination vs. key). This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliability by providing an alternative access method while preserving ease of operation through the combination interface
2Reliability
If a key operated lock is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to key loss or misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system incorporates multiple functions within a single device: it can operate as a combination lock for daily use, as a key lock for backup security, and provides a master key access for emergency situations. This multi-functionality ensures that no single access method is dependent on external factors like remembering a combination or carrying a specific key
3Reliability
If multiple locking components are incorporated, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two locking systems (combination and key) into a single integrated padlock housing with a unified shackle. The locking members are positioned to engage the same shackle, and the internal mechanisms are compacted to share common structural elements, reducing overall complexity despite the dual-function capability
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed housing is used, then protection from contamination is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are nested within the housing in a compact arrangement where the combination dial assembly and key cylinder are positioned concentrically or adjacently around the shackle. This nesting allows the sealed housing to enclose all components efficiently, providing contamination protection while maintaining manufacturability through standard assembly techniques
Data Source
AI summary
By providing two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock, with both locking systems independently enabling a single shackle latching member to be controllably activated for allowing the single shackle to be released and/or lockingly engaged, an effective, easily produced, multi-purpose padlock is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, a single housing and shackle assembly are employed and constructed for enabling the shackle to be released from locked engagement with the shackle latching member by using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activating tumbler construction. In this way, a dual locking and releasing padlock is achieved which virtually eliminates the difficulties typically encountered with known, prior art lock configurations.