Linear Combination Lock with Segmented Bolt and Latch Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combination locks for lockers and similar enclosures face issues such as limited bolt throw, incomplete bolt retraction, insufficient pre-assigned combinations, and vulnerability to unauthorized entry when the locker frame is bent, which compromises security.

Innovation Solution

A combination lock mechanism featuring a first member and a second member slidably mounted to a housing, with a bolt that moves between locking and unlocking positions, preventing the second member from moving back to its initial position when locked, and a rotary latch that engages the bolt to secure the striker plate, enhancing security by capturing the striker plate between surfaces and preventing frame bending from breaching the lock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fully retractable bolt mechanism is used, then the bolt can completely retract into the lock body, but the bolt throw is limited to no more than about 0.25 inches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebolt retractionVSAvoidbolt throw

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into two independent components: a first member (latch) that provides the primary locking function with sufficient throw, and a second member (bolt) that provides additional security. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a second dimensional locking action by adding the bolt that moves in a different plane or direction than the primary latch. This multi-dimensional approach allows the lock to achieve both complete retraction capability and extended bolt throw through coordinated movement of multiple members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the bolt throw is increased for better security, then the locking strength is improved, but the bolt cannot be completely retracted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking strengthVSAvoidbolt retraction

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is segmented between a first member that handles the primary latch operation with full retraction capability, and a second member (bolt) that provides extended throw and additional security. This allows the system to achieve both complete retraction and extended bolt throw.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges two separate locking members (first member and second member/bolt) into a coordinated locking system where both members work together to provide enhanced security. The combination allows the bolt to extend further while still permitting complete retraction of the latch portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple spring bolt mechanism is used to reduce cost, then the lock is more affordable, but the number of pre-assigned combinations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidnumber of combinations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a dynamic combination-changing mechanism that allows the lock to transition between multiple pre-assigned combinations. The mechanism includes movable components that can be repositioned to create different combination settings, enabling the same basic spring bolt structure to provide numerous combination options without requiring a completely different lock design for each combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the locker frame can be bent outwardly, then the lock structure allows some flexibility, but unauthorized entry becomes possible when the bolt is no longer engaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe flexibilityVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a preventive mechanism where the bolt extends beyond the latch to provide an additional layer of security that anticipates and prevents the frame bending attack. The bolt's extended position creates a physical barrier that must be overcome before the latch can be disengaged, thereby preventing unauthorized entry even if the frame is manipulated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-member locking system provides a buffer or cushion of security by having the bolt extend beyond the primary latch. This extra layer of protection absorbs or prevents the harmful effect of frame bending before it can compromise the primary locking mechanism, maintaining security even under duress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10450779B2Lock with linearly operating latch

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 ZEPHYR SECURE INC

AI summary

A lock is provided, the lock having: a lock mechanism having a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member each being slidably mounted to a housing of the combination lock, wherein the first member is capable of movement between a first position and a second position and the second member is capable of movement between a first position and a second position and wherein movement of the first member from the first position to the second position causes the second member to move from the first position to the second position; a bolt configured for movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, the bolt preventing the second member from moving from the second position to the first position when the bolt is in the locking position.