Combination Lock Bushing Layout for Code Retrieval and Anti-Probing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combination locks lack a mechanism to retrieve the original code when users forget it, leading to labor-intensive and costly solutions like blind guessing or professional intervention, and are vulnerable to easy deciphering due to uniform gap and groove positions on lock bushings.
Innovation Solution
A memory combination lock with unique inner codes and corresponding grooves on lock bushings, ensuring each lock has a distinct set of grooves for digits 0-9, making it difficult for thieves to guess the unlocking code, and allowing users to retrieve the original code using 'inner codes' stored during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the gaps and grooves of lock bushings are set at the same position to facilitate assembly, then the assembly process becomes easier and more efficient, but the lock becomes vulnerable to deciphering by thieves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making each lock bushing have a unique groove position among the ten possible positions (0-9). While all bushings have grooves for alignment, each groove is located at a different position, creating an asymmetric pattern that is unique to each bushing. This allows assemblers to still align components properly while preventing thieves from easily deciphering the code by probing, as the groove positions no longer provide a uniform reference pattern.
2Device complexity
If conventional combination locks are used without code retrieval mechanism, then the lock structure remains simple, but users must pay extra costs and lose time when forgetting the code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting unique groove positions in the lock bushings during manufacturing, which serve as embedded codes. These groove positions are established in advance and can be used later to retrieve the combination code if forgotten. The assemblers record the groove positions during assembly, creating a reference key that enables future code retrieval without requiring professional intervention or time-consuming procedures.
3Productivity
If uniform groove positions are used on all lock bushings, then manufacturing and assembly become more efficient, but the lock can be easily cracked by probing tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each lock bushing a distinct local characteristic - specifically, each bushing has its groove positioned at a different location among ten possible positions. This local variation in groove positioning maintains the functional quality of alignment during assembly while eliminating the uniformity that makes the lock vulnerable to probing attacks. Each bushing's unique groove position acts as a local identifier that prevents systematic decryption.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory combination lock including a lock base, a set knob, a stopper, a set of dial units, a spring, a spindle, and an upper case. The set of dial units is composed of several rotary disks and several lock bushings. Each of the lock bushings is respectively inserted inside of the rotary disks. Each of the lock bushing has a big through hole and a small through hole with an opening disposed therein. A corresponding groove which position is responding to one of the ten digits (0˜9) on each of the rotary discs respectively is designed on the outer wall surface of ten different types of the lock bushings. Therefore, a set of inner code can be formed by different types of the locking bushings inside of the combination lock and the code can be used to retrieve the password in case of forgetting.