Lock Input Unit Integrating Mechanical Dial and Electronic Keyboard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locks combine electronic and mechanical combination locks ineffectively, leading to complex structures, high failure rates, and poor user experience, with a need for reliable integration of both unlocking methods.
Innovation Solution
A lock input unit integrating a mechanical combination lock dial and an electronic password input portion, featuring a pull block that allows for independent operation of electronic and mechanical unlocking modes, with a conversion device that switches between the two, including a circuit joint for disconnection and reconnection of the electronic lock circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic locks are used to provide convenient password input and modification, then user experience is improved, but the structure becomes complex and the failure rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into two independent parts: an electronic combination lock portion and a mechanical combination lock portion. Each portion has its own input unit (electronic keyboard for electronic lock, rotatable dial for mechanical lock), allowing the system to function with either component independently while maintaining simplicity in each individual part.
2Ease of operation
If electronic locks are used to provide convenient password input and modification, then user experience is improved, but the probability of failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical backup unlocking mechanism is built into the system in advance. When the electronic lock fails (due to moisture, magnetoelectricity, vibration, or other environmental factors), users can switch to the mechanical combination lock portion which is not affected by these environmental conditions, ensuring continuous operational reliability.
3Reliability
If mechanical locks are used to avoid electronic device weaknesses, then reliability is improved, but the operation becomes tedious and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is designed to accept multiple input methods universally. Users can choose the electronic keyboard for quick password entry when environmental conditions are favorable, or switch to the mechanical dial when reliability is the primary concern. Both input methods control the same locking mechanism, providing flexibility in operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If both electronic and mechanical combination locks are integrated into one structure, then both unlocking habits are accommodated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input unit is segmented into distinct electronic and mechanical portions that can function independently. The electronic password input portion includes a keyboard and processing circuitry, while the mechanical portion includes a separate rotatable dial with scales. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and reliable while collectively providing versatile unlocking options.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lock input unit and a conversion device are provided, wherein a base is disposed on a surface of a lock, a mechanical combination lock dial is rotatably disposed on the base, with password scales disposed around the bottom thereof, and an electronic password input portion includes a housing, a power source, an electronic processing member and an electronic input member. In the conversion device, a pull block can be disposed on one side of a lock input unit in an extracting and inserting manner; a mechanical combination lock includes a combination lock code dial with a slot, the combination lock code dial is rotatably disposed on the base, and the slot is engaged with the fixture block; when the pull block is inserted into the lock input unit, the fixture block is clamped to the slot; a circuit joint is connected to a breakage joint, and a circuit of the breakage joint is switched on; and when the pull block is extracted out of the lock input unit, the fixture block is disconnected from the slot. An electronic opening manner and a mechanical opening manner are integrated in a lock, so that the lock has both the electronic opening manner and the mechanical opening manner, and the electronic opening manner and the mechanical opening manner are independent of each other without affecting each other.