Interchangeable Padlock Cylinder for Adjustable Security Levels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current padlocks do not allow users to change the security level without replacing the entire lock, and existing solutions require specialized locks or sleeves with mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A lock device featuring a universal spacer that allows for the interchangeable lock cylinder, enabling users to change the security level by replacing the lock cylinder, with a padlock body and spacer holes aligning to secure the new cylinder in locked and unlocked positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a padlock uses a fixed lock cylinder incorporated into the padlock body, then the lock provides a specific security level, but the security level cannot be changed without replacing the entire padlock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to change security levelVSAvoidlock structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock system is divided into separate components: a padlock body and an interchangeable lock cylinder. The lock cylinder can be removed and replaced independently from the padlock body, allowing users to change security levels by swapping cylinders rather than replacing the entire lock. This segmentation enables modular replacement of the security mechanism while retaining the padlock body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The padlock body is designed with a universal receiver that can accommodate multiple different lock cylinders with varying security levels. This universal design allows a single padlock body to perform multiple security functions by accepting different cylinder types, making the system adaptable to different security requirements without requiring multiple specialized padlocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If specialized locks or sleeves with mechanisms are used to enable changing security levels, then users can change the lock, but the device becomes more complex and requires specialized equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to change lock cylinderVSAvoidsimplicity of replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock cylinder is extracted as a separate, removable component from the padlock body. The cylinder features a removal groove that allows it to be easily pulled out without requiring specialized tools or complex mechanisms. This extraction design simplifies the replacement process, making it as simple as removing and inserting the cylinder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock cylinder is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily swapped out when security needs change. Rather than investing in a complex, permanent specialized lock system, users can replace the cylinder with a simpler, more affordable component, reducing the overall cost and complexity of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the entire padlock is replaced to change security level, then the security level is updated, but the cost and time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidtime to change lock

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the padlock into a permanent body and a replaceable cylinder, the system allows users to update security levels by replacing only the cylinder component. This reduces the time required for security upgrades from replacing an entire padlock to simply swapping the cylinder, significantly reducing downtime and installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The padlock body is pre-designed with a universal receiver and alignment features that accommodate standard lock cylinders. This preliminary design preparation allows for quick interchange of cylinders without requiring complex installation procedures, pre-drilling, or specialized tools, thereby reducing the time needed to change security levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7918111B2Lock device that enable users to choose the security level of the lock

Publication Date: 2011.04.05 RSL SECURITY HARDWARE LLC

AI summary

A lock device includes a universal spacer, for receiving a lock cylinder, and a plurality of spacer holes where one of the holes is positioned to receive a lock bolt of the lock cylinder. A padlock body houses the universal spacer. A plurality of padlock body holes extends from an interior of a universal spacer hole into the padlock body. The padlock body holes are positioned to match the spacer holes and one of the padlock body holes receives the lock bolt when the lock cylinder is in a locked position. A padlock bolt secures the universal spacer, lock cylinder and padlock body in place when the lock cylinder is in the locked position. When the lock cylinder is in the unlocked position, the universal spacer with the lock cylinder can be removed from the universal spacer hole and the lock cylinder can be replaced with another lock cylinder.