Hidden Shackle Lock Interchangeable Core Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in incorporating an interchangeable core into a hidden shackle style lock, such as a hockey puck lock, is that frequent removal of the core for replacement can lead to loss or damage, and existing solutions are prone to unauthorized removal and increased replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
A hidden shackle style lock design featuring a hollow sleeve with a shackle fixedly coupled to it, where an interchangeable core with locking mechanisms is slidably attached, allowing secure locking and unlocking without requiring the core to be removed from the housing each time the lock is used, using a retaining tab and locking flanges for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an interchangeable core is incorporated into a hidden shackle style lock, then re-keying convenience is improved, but the risk of core loss or damage increases due to frequent removal
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is divided into distinct functional components: a stationary housing, a removable interchangeable core, and a retaining mechanism. This segmentation allows the core to be independently removed and replaced while the housing and retaining mechanism remain fixed, resolving the contradiction between re-keying convenience and core retention security.
Solution Approach 2:
A retaining tab protruding from the interchangeable core acts as an intermediary element that engages with a cavity in the housing. This intermediary mechanism provides a secure connection during normal operation but allows controlled removal when needed, balancing the need for both secure retention and easy replacement.
2Reliability
If a retaining mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized core removal, then core security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining function is extracted as a separate, dedicated feature (the retaining tab) rather than being integrated into the main locking mechanism. This simple protrusion-cavity engagement system provides security without adding complex moving parts or multiple locking stages, maintaining device simplicity while improving core retention security.
3Productivity
If the core is made easily removable for replacement, then re-keying efficiency is improved, but susceptibility to unauthorized removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism provides dynamic control over core removability. During normal operation, the retaining tab securely holds the core in place. During authorized re-keying, the core can be deliberately removed and reinserted. This dynamic state control allows efficient re-keying while preventing casual or unauthorized removal attempts.
Data Source
AI summary
A hidden shackle style lock is disclosed. The lock includes a substantially cylindrical housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a curved side surface. The lock also includes a first cavity on the bottom surface of the housing extending part way along a thickness of the housing, and a second cavity on the side surface intersecting with the first cavity. A hollow sleeve is slidably attached within the second cavity. The sleeve includes a first end face, a second end face, and a third cavity. The third cavity extends from the first end face to the second face and is substantially coaxial with the second cavity. A shackle having a first end and a second end is fixedly coupled to the first end face of the sleeve. The lock also includes an interchangeable core having a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism lockingly disposed within the third cavity, and coupled to the straight shackle. The interchangeable core is configured to operate the first locking mechanism to rotate the shackle, and operate the second locking mechanism to unlock the interchangeable core from the third cavity.