Laminated Padlock Body with Spindle Reset Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-security combination padlocks have limitations in their reset mechanisms and lock body design, which can be improved for enhanced security and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A combination padlock with a laminated/stacked lock body construction, featuring a spindle with multiple positions and a reset mechanism, including a directional plate and bottom plug, that allows for secure locking and easy resetting by utilizing a stack of clutches and dials with faulty notches to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional solid lock body is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the lock security is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body is divided into multiple laminated plates stacked together, with each plate containing specific features such as dial openings, ratchet pin holes, and channel sections. This segmentation increases security by creating a more complex internal structure that is harder to pick or manipulate, while still maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process for each individual plate.
2Ease of operation
If the dial opening is exposed in the lock body, then the dial can be easily accessed, but the ratchet pin holes become exposed and security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body plates are segmented such that the dial opening is contained within specific plate openings while the ratchet pin holes are either covered by adjacent plates or positioned in locations that are not simultaneously exposed. This allows the dial to remain accessible through its dedicated opening while preventing direct access to the ratchet pin holes that control the locking mechanism.
3Reliability
If a complex reset mechanism is used, then the security is enhanced, but the ease of reset operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reset mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the existing dial and spindle structure. The spindle has a reset position that can be reached by manipulating the dials to a specific configuration, and the reset function is integrated into the normal operation of the lock without requiring separate complex mechanisms or additional user tools.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spindle positions are implemented, then the locking functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes through its different positions: it engages the locking bolts in the locked position, allows bolt movement in the unlocked position, and enables reset functionality in the reset position. This universal design achieves enhanced locking functionality without adding separate dedicated mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~10
Figure 11~15B
AI summary
A combination lock has a body (20) formed from a stack of plates each having various openings to form some of the channels or holes such as the locking hole (20B) to receive the short leg (125) of the shackle (120), the long-leg channel (20C), the spindle hole 821A), the dial slots (24A), the ratchet-pin holder bolt slots (25B). The short leg (125) and the long leg (127) of the shackle (120) each has a cutout (41, 51) to receive a locking bolt (40, 50). The spindle (30) has a locking surface to engage the locking bolts (40, 50) with the cutouts (41, 51) when the lock is in locked mode. The spindle (30) also has a neck (32) to release the locking bolts (40, 50) from the cutouts (41, 51) when the lock is in opened mode. The lock has a directional plate (90) and a reset button (110) near the lock's bottom end to control the rotation and the downward movement of the spindle (30) in the reset mode.