Flat Key Locking Mechanism for Backpack Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for flat connecting mounts, such as those used in backpack closures, lack secure and user-specific locking solutions that prevent unauthorized access and detachment, especially in travel and transport applications.
Innovation Solution
A locking device that combines flexible connecting brackets with a key-operated locking mechanism, utilizing a socket with segmented quadrants and a rotating element, where a flat key element can be inserted and rotated to lock or unlock the brackets, providing secure and user-specific access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a key-operated locking mechanism is added to connecting brackets, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key element is inserted into a recess in the rotating element, and the rotating element is inserted into the socket. The locking heads are nested within the socket structure. This nesting approach allows multiple functional components to be integrated into a compact arrangement without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket is divided into segmented quadrants with individual locking heads that can be independently actuated. The rotating element has recesses at specific angular positions that correspond to these segments. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to provide multiple discrete locking positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating element with key recesses is implemented, then user-specific locking capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating element can be manufactured with different angular positions of recesses to accommodate various key element configurations. The socket can be designed with different numbers and positions of locking heads. These parameter variations allow customization for different security requirements while using the same basic manufacturing processes and component types.
3Reliability
If multiple locking heads are positioned in segmented quadrants, then security against forced entry is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking heads are combined within a single socket structure, sharing common components such as the socket body and spring mechanism. The rotating element serves as a common actuator for all locking heads simultaneously. This merging reduces the total number of separate components compared to having independent locking mechanisms for each locking head.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device with a locking mechanism, particularly for securing flat connecting brackets, which makes it possible to individually mechanically lock paired connecting brackets (1, 2) without the need for complex precision mechanics, such as a locking cylinder – as can be seen from the characteristic illustration in Fig. 4. This is made possible by a flat key element (19) which, when inserted into a rotating element, fits into precisely matching recesses (15, 16) within the rotating element (13). The key tongues (21, 22) of the key element (19) displace blocking heads (24a, 24b) located within the surrounding socket from the inner area (5) of the socket (23) to the outer area (23) within the socket, thus releasing the locking effect of the locking device according to the invention.When the key element is removed, the locking heads spring back into the interior (5) and lock the rotary element (13) again. The locking device according to the invention makes it possible to equip paired connecting brackets (1, 2), such as those used in backpacks or carrying bags, with a practical and everyday-use locking option, for example as a travel transport lock, and is particularly easy and effective to use against minor forms of theft.