Flippable Cable Lock X-Shape Twist Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable locks can snap the zipper pull tabs during luggage transportation due to the rigidity of the twistable cable, leading to potential damage, especially when the housing is twisted continuously.
Innovation Solution
A flippable cable lock design featuring a housing with differently sized holes and a twistable cable cord that forms an X-shape, reducing the force applied to zipper pull tabs and incorporating a combination lock mechanism and elastic members for secure locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a twistable cable with considerable rigidity is used to lock luggage, then the cable can effectively secure the luggage, but the cable may snap the zipper pull tabs during transportation when the housing is tossed around or intentionally turned over
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into multiple sections with different properties: a rigid section for locking strength and a flexible section for absorbing twisting forces. This segmentation allows the cable to maintain its locking capability while protecting against zipper damage through the flexible portion's ability to bend and absorb stress.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible connector or intermediary section is introduced between the rigid cable body and the connecting portions. This intermediary element absorbs the twisting forces generated when the housing is tossed or manipulated, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the zipper pull tabs while maintaining the cable's overall locking function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cable is made more flexible to prevent zipper damage, then the cable can better absorb twisting forces, but the cable loses its ability to effectively lock and secure the luggage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure is segmented into rigid and flexible portions, each serving its specific function. The rigid sections provide the necessary locking strength and security, while the flexible sections provide damage absorption and twisting force mitigation, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cable are given different mechanical properties: rigid qualities in the locking sections and flexible qualities in the connecting sections. This local differentiation of material properties allows the cable to simultaneously achieve strong locking capability and protective flexibility where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a flippable cable lock with a twistable cable capable of being twisted into an X-shape cross state and remains in that state. In addition, the cable lock further includes a combination lock mechanism, an elastic member and a key lock mechanism. The elastic member includes a plurality of arc-shape elastic sheets engaging with multiple dials of the combination lock mechanism. The key lock mechanism includes a blocking portion and a push portion. When the key lock mechanism is unlocked, the blocking portion leaves from blocking a lower-section of the twistable cable, and the push portion pushes the lower-section to move.