Combination Lock with Electronic Override and Dial Scrambling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical combination locks for lockers and similar applications require labor-intensive and costly rekeying processes, especially when administrators need to reset combinations or recover from lost keys, and lack versatility and ease of use with electronic key overrides without battery power.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical combination lock with an electronic key override that scrambles dial positions upon opening, allowing for easy programmability and use on various designs without battery storage, featuring a lock assembly with rotatable dials, a knob assembly, and an electronic key interface for administrators to reset combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical combination lock with mechanical key override is used, then the lock provides secure locking and key override capability, but the rekeying process becomes labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key override system with an electronic key override system. The electronic key uses a microprocessor and electronic circuitry to authenticate and override the combination lock, eliminating the need for mechanical rekeying. The electronic key contains a unique code that the lock's microprocessor verifies, allowing administrators to override locked combinations without physical rekeying of mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic key override system serves multiple functions: it can override locked combinations, reset combinations, and provide administrative control. The same electronic key interface handles both combination setting and overriding, consolidating what would traditionally require separate mechanical key systems into a single multi-functional electronic device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electronic key override is added to a mechanical combination lock, then the lock gains versatile access methods and easy programmability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electronic key override functionality directly into the existing mechanical combination lock housing. The microprocessor, electronic circuit board, and key interface are integrated within the same housing that contains the mechanical dials and locking mechanism, rather than adding a separate electronic lock system. This consolidation adds versatility while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor serves as an intermediary between the electronic key input and the mechanical locking mechanism. It translates electronic authentication signals into mechanical actions (such as releasing the latch or resetting the combination), bridging the gap between electronic control and mechanical operation without requiring direct mechanical connection between the key and locking components.
3Reliability
If the lock scrambles dial positions upon opening, then security is enhanced, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic dial positioning where the dial positions are not fixed but change automatically upon lock opening. The microprocessor controls motors or mechanical actuators that rotate the dials to random positions after successful authentication, ensuring that the same combination sequence cannot be reused. This dynamic repositioning enhances security while maintaining relatively simple user interaction - users simply operate the dials as normal, and the scrambling occurs automatically in the background.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination lock can be operated manually via the manipulation of rotatable dials and by way of a key, such as an electronic key. The lock includes one or more rotatable dials each having multiple indicia disposed thereon. Rotation of the rotatable dials to predetermined indicia places the lock in the unlocked position. The lock can further include an electronic port and an actuator. Upon receipt of a predetermined credential via the port, the actuator can place the lock in in the unlocked position. The lock further includes a knob that, when the lock is in the unlocked position, can be rotated between a first position in which the lock is in a latched position and a second position in which the lock is in an unlatched position. The combination lock may automatically scramble the positions of the dials upon opening for security purposes.