Lock Assembly with Preloaded Barrel Lock for Universal Interchangeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms, such as tab locks and cock locks, are not interchangeable and require key assembly, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing and increased key management issues, as they are designed for specific applications and lack preloadability.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly featuring a body portion with a bore and a blade, combined with a head portion that includes a through bore for a barrel lock, allowing preloading without a key for installation, enabling securement of various lockable structures with a U-shaped design and annular channel for ball retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tab locks or cock locks are used, then each locking mechanism is effective for its specific application, but they are not interchangeable and require multiple types of locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is designed with a universal body portion that can function as both a tab lock for meter boxes and a cock lock for valves by simply changing the head portion. The body portion includes a blade, bore, and annular channel that work with different head types, allowing one base design to serve multiple locking applications interchangeably
2Ease of operation
If traditional tab locks are used, then they provide secure locking, but they require key assembly and installation which increases complexity and key management issues
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel lock is pre-assembled into the body portion during manufacturing, with the lock body positioned in the bore and the annular channel configured to receive balls. This preliminary action eliminates the need for key assembly during field installation, as the lock mechanism is already prepared and only requires insertion of the assembled lock assembly into the mounting location
3Productivity
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then they provide secure locking, but they are not preloadable which increases installation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is pre-loaded during manufacturing by positioning the barrel lock in the bore and configuring the annular channel to hold balls in a specific position. This pre-loading allows the assembly to be quickly installed in the field without requiring time-consuming assembly steps, as the locking mechanism is already prepared in its functional state
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly is divided into separable components: a body portion containing the pre-loaded barrel lock and blade, and a removable head portion. This segmentation allows the pre-loaded body to be manufactured separately and then quickly combined with different head types for various applications, improving both installation speed and versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly including a body portion having a bore configured to receive a lock. The assembly further includes a blade operably connected to the body portion and a head portion removably securable to the body portion. The head portion has a slot configured to receive the blade when assembled and the head portion also has a through bore to allow insertion of the lock such that the lock can lock the head portion and the body portion together during installation. The lock assembly may be used to secure multiple different lockable structures.