Two-Arm Lock Adapter for Mismatched Padlock and Latch Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Structural or dimensional issues often prevent padlocks from directly interfacing with latch assemblies, such as a padlock's shackle being too large for the eye of a staple or a structural wall member obstructing the padlock's use with the latch assembly.
Innovation Solution
A lock adapter comprising two adapter arms that mate with both a latch assembly staple and a padlock shackle, allowing the padlock to be secured to a structure by inserting one adapter arm through the staple eye and mating it with the other adapter arm, which then secures the padlock shackle, thereby inhibiting the hasp from being lifted off the staple.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a padlock is used directly with a latch assembly, then the locking mechanism is simple, but structural or dimensional issues prevent proper interfacing between the padlock shackle and latch assembly eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter assembly as an intermediary component between the padlock shackle and the latch assembly eye. The adapter includes a first arm that interfaces with the shackle and a second arm that interfaces with the eye, enabling compatibility when direct interfacing is prevented by structural or dimensional mismatches. This mediator component resolves the contradiction by adding adaptability while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly is designed to provide universal compatibility across different padlock and latch assembly configurations. By creating a standardized intermediate interface that can accommodate various shackle sizes and eye dimensions, the adapter enables a single component to serve multiple pairing scenarios, thereby improving versatility without requiring multiple specialized locking solutions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the padlock shackle size matches the latch assembly eye, then direct locking is possible, but this excludes padlocks with incompatible dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly serves as a mediator that decouples the dimensional requirements between the padlock shackle and the latch assembly eye. Users can operate any padlock regardless of shackle size, as the adapter provides the necessary dimensional translation. This maintains ease of operation by preserving the simple act of locking while expanding the range of compatible padlock sizes through the intermediate component.
3Volume of moving object
If structural wall members are positioned close to the latch assembly, then space is saved, but padlock usage is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly acts as an intermediary that extends the functional reach of the latch assembly beyond the constraints imposed by nearby wall members. By providing a mechanical extension that connects the shackle to the eye, the adapter enables padlock usability in confined spaces where direct padlock placement would be obstructed, thus maintaining adaptability while working within limited volume constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock adapter includes a first adapter arm and a second adapter arm. The first adapter arm has a first end which mating with a staple of a latch assembly, which, with a corresponding hasp, controls access to a structure. The first adapter arm also has second end configured for mating with the shackle of the lock. The second adapter arm also has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second adapter arm is configured for mating with the first end of the first adapter arm after the first end of the first adapter arm mates with the latch. The second end of the second adapter arm is configured for mating with the shackle of the lock. Upon the lock adapter mating with the staple and with the shackle of the lock, access to the structure via the latch assembly is inhibited.