Linear Lock Mechanism Eliminates Rotating Parts for Rust Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cylinder-style locks used for securing bikes outdoors are prone to rusting when exposed to rain, leading to mechanical failures such as key snapping or the lock seizing, due to the use of rotating parts which require excessive force for operation.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism without rotating parts, featuring a key receiver, a latch with a biasing member, and a retainer, where the key's insertion and force application move pins laterally or transversely to engage and disengage the clasp, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylinder-style lock with rotating parts is used, then the locking mechanism can be compact and lightweight, but the rotating parts are prone to rusting and mechanical failure when exposed to rain outdoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotating cylinder component from the locking mechanism. Instead of a traditional cylinder lock with rotating parts, the invention uses a linear keyway where the key moves pins horizontally through a simple linear path, eliminating the problematic rotating elements that rust and fail outdoors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the rotational mechanical system with a linear translational system. The key moves pins horizontally along a linear keyway rather than rotating a cylinder, substituting rotational mechanics with linear mechanics to eliminate rust-prone rotating joints while maintaining the locking function.
2Ease of operation
If excessive force is applied to turn the cylinder, then the lock can be opened, but the key may snap or the cylinder may seize completely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotating cylinder that requires high torque to overcome rust and friction. The linear keyway system allows the key to move pins with minimal lateral force, removing the mechanism that leads to key snapping and lock seizure when excessive force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates biasing springs that pre-load the pins against the keyway walls. This cushioning mechanism ensures the pins are already under controlled spring force, allowing smooth lateral movement with the key without requiring sudden high-force inputs that could snap the key or seize the mechanism.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional cylinder locks are used outdoors, then the locking function is provided, but over time rain causes rusting that prevents the cylinder from turning with ease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the rotational cylinder mechanism with a linear keyway and lateral pin movement system. This eliminates rotating joints that are susceptible to rust accumulation and friction buildup from rain exposure, replacing them with linear sliding surfaces that are easier to maintain and less prone to rust-related failures over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the rotating cylinder component that is most vulnerable to rusting. By using a linear keyway where pins move horizontally without rotation, the design eliminates the primary point of rust-related failure, thereby extending the service life of outdoor locks.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution prevents key snapping and lock seizing, ensuring easier operation and increased durability by eliminating the need for rotational movements, thus providing a reliable locking mechanism resistant to rust and weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member for biasing the latch in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
a second biasing member for biasing the pin in a second direction transverse to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A lock mechanism is disclosed. The lock mechanism includes a body and a clasp with a hole in. The clasp engages and locks with the body. There is also a key receiver with a keyway and a latch biased in a first direction by a spring. The latch has a protrusion for engaging the aperture to lock the clasp to the body. There are split pins which straddle a shear line between the latch and key receiver when in a locked condition and that do not straddle the shear line when the correct key is in the keyway. The split pins are biased by springs in a second direction, transverse to said first direction. The lock mechanism also has a retainer for maintaining the engagement of the latch and the key receiver.