Dual Unlocking Padlock Shackle Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing padlocks are vulnerable to being physically broken by security personnel during luggage inspections, leaving contents unprotected, as they lack a mechanism to securely open and re-lock without compromising security.
Innovation Solution
A dual locking mechanism padlock with a shackle and housing system, featuring a key mechanism and combination mechanism that independently control the shackle's movement, allowing secure opening by security personnel for inspection and re-locking, while preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single locking system padlock is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is insufficient because security personnel can physically break the padlock without ability to re-lock
Solution Approach 1:
The padlock is divided into two independent locking systems: a key-operated mechanism and a combination dial mechanism. Each system independently controls the shackle through separate tumblers and cam mechanisms, allowing the padlock to maintain security even if one system is compromised or broken by security personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational state parameters of the locking mechanism by introducing dual independent unlocking methods. The key mechanism and combination mechanism operate through different physical parameters (key insertion/rotation versus dial rotation), providing multiple pathways to achieve the unlocked state without requiring physical destruction of the padlock.
2Reliability
If a dual locking mechanism is implemented, then the reliability improves by allowing authorized opening and re-locking, but the device complexity increases with two independent systems
Solution Approach 1:
The key mechanism and combination mechanism are merged into a single integrated padlock body, sharing common components such as the shackle, housing, and cam follower. Both mechanisms converge on the same unlocking action through the cam and cam follower interaction, reducing overall complexity compared to having two completely separate locking devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The padlock body and shackle serve multiple functions: they are common to both the key-operated system and the combination-operated system. The cam mechanism universally translates both key rotation and combination dial movement into the same unlocking motion, allowing a single device to perform multiple unlocking functions.
3Ease of operation
If the shackle is fully integrated with the pole, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the shackle cannot be removed for resetting the combination
Solution Approach 1:
The shackle's relationship with the pole is made dynamic rather than fixed. The shackle can be freely removed from the pole when in the unlocked position, allowing the combination to be reset, and then reattached when locking is required. This dynamic configuration enables operational flexibility without requiring complex detachable connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking action is performed first by either the key or combination mechanism, which moves the cam follower to release the shackle from the pole. This preliminary unlocking action prepares the system for potential shackle removal and combination resetting, eliminating the need for forced removal or complex disassembly procedures.
4Ease of operation
If the shackle can be freely removed from the pole, then the ease of operation improves for resetting, but the reliability decreases because unauthorized removal becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The cam and cam follower mechanism creates a preliminary anti-action by mechanically interlocking the shackle to the pole when either the key or combination is engaged. This pre-established mechanical constraint prevents unauthorized shackle removal, and only the authorized unlocking mechanisms can disengage this constraint before removal becomes possible.
Data Source
AI summary
A padlock with a dual unlocking system, namely, a key mechanism and a combination mechanism. The key mechanism has a bolt or latch passing through a pole/pole cover secured around a portion of a shackle, the bolt in contact with the shackle so as to prevent movement of the shackle relative to the key mechanism when the key mechanism is in a locked state. The bolt/latch is able to move relative to the shackle to allow the shackle to move relative to the housing and pole so as to release the toe of the shackle from the housing when the key mechanism is in an unlocked state. The combination mechanism allows clutches to move relative to the housing into a lock open position when dials are in an opening combination that allows the pole to move relative to the housing so as to release the toe.