Dual-mode lock with combination identification mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-mode locks are structurally complex and large, making them inconvenient to use, and techniques to determine forgotten combinations are difficult or impossible for ordinary users.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode lock with a combination identification function featuring a housing, latch, cylinder mechanism, and combination mechanism, where multiple wheel assemblies with identification notches align with corresponding holes, allowing a detecting tool to reveal the combination number through a simple procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual-mode locks use traditional combination mechanisms, then the lock provides security through combination protection, but the structure becomes complicated and the size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combination mechanism is divided into multiple independent wheel assemblies, each with a specific combination number. Each wheel assembly can be independently rotated and identified, allowing the combination mechanism to be segmented into manageable units that are easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining the security function.
Solution Approach 2:
A detecting tool is introduced as an intermediary device to identify the combination. The detecting tool interacts with the wheel assemblies through identification notches and holes, allowing users to determine the combination without complex internal mechanisms. This intermediary simplifies the lock's internal structure while preserving the combination protection function.
2Reliability
If dual-mode locks use traditional combination mechanisms, then the lock provides combination security, but the lock size becomes very large
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assemblies are arranged in a nested or compact configuration within the lock body. Each wheel assembly is positioned to utilize space efficiently, with identification notches and holes aligned to minimize the overall volume required for the combination mechanism while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification notches and holes are positioned at specific angles and orientations in three-dimensional space. By utilizing angular positioning and radial arrangement of the wheel assemblies around a central axis, the design compactly packs the combination mechanism into a smaller volume while maintaining all necessary security functions.
3Reliability
If traditional combination locks are used, then combination protection is provided, but determining forgotten combinations is extremely difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
A detecting tool serves as an intermediary that enables users to identify forgotten combinations. The tool is inserted through access holes in the housing and interacts with identification notches on the wheel assemblies. By feeling for the notches or hearing clicks when the detecting tool engages with the notches, users can determine the correct combination without complex procedures or specialized knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assemblies automatically present their identification notches in accessible positions when rotated to the correct combination. The detecting tool naturally guides the user through the identification process by engaging with the notches at the correct angular positions, allowing users to self-service the combination identification without requiring external assistance or complex procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-mode lock with a combination identification function has a combination mechanism and a cylinder mechanism. The combination mechanism has multiple wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly has an identification notch formed at a specific position corresponding to a combination number of the wheel assembly. The cylinder mechanism has an actuating shaft that is unlocked and rotated by an operating key. Additionally, the actuating shaft moves an access panel that has multiple aligning holes to align the aligning holes respectively with the identification notches. Consequently, a user can easily identify the combination of the dual-mode lock by insertion of a simple detecting tool.