Mechanical Combination Lock with Electronic Key Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical combination locks for lockers and similar applications require labor-intensive processes for key management and combination resetting, especially when administrators need to change or reset combinations for multiple users.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical combination lock with an electronic key override that does not require battery power, allowing for easy programmability and convenience in key management, and automatically scrambles the dial combination upon opening for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical combination lock is used without battery power, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to implement electronic key override
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical key cylinder acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates rotational motion into linear displacement of a cam follower, which then actuates the lock bar release mechanism. This mechanical intermediary enables key override functionality without requiring battery power or electronic components, thus maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation for administrators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If administrators manually reset combinations for multiple users, then adaptability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to labor-intensive process
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system pre-loads multiple combination codes into its memory during manufacturing or initial setup. When an administrator needs to reset a user's combination, the system automatically retrieves the pre-stored code and programs it into the lock's memory, eliminating the need for manual resetting and significantly improving productivity while maintaining adaptability to different user requirements.
3Reliability
If mechanical key cylinders are made inaccessible or difficult to remove, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical key cylinder is designed as a separate, extractable component that can be removed from the lock body through a specific access procedure. This extraction capability allows administrators to replace or rekey the cylinder independently without disassembling the entire lock mechanism, thereby maintaining security through protected access while enabling easy repair and maintenance of the key override function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A combination lock can be operated manually via the manipulation of rotatable dials and by way of a key, such as an electronic key. The lock includes one or more rotatable dials each having multiple indicia disposed thereon. Rotation of the rotatable dials to predetermined indicia places the lock in the unlocked position. The lock can further include an electronic port and an actuator. Upon receipt of a predetermined credential via the port, the actuator can place the lock in in the unlocked position. The lock further includes a knob assembly that, when the lock is in the unlocked position, can be rotated between a first position in which the lock is in a latched position and a second position in which the lock is in an unlatched position. The combination lock may automatically scramble the positions of the dials upon opening for security purposes.