Mechanical Combination Lock Multi-Bit Control Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical push button combination locks can only set 1-bit combinations, limiting complexity and requiring additional buttons for sequences like '11', which increases the lock's size and cost.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical combination lock design where one button can set combinations with 2 or more bits by using a central shaft with combination control units, including discs and springs, allowing for multiple bit settings without increasing the number of buttons, through a system of rotating discs and cam mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If one button can set combinations with 2 or more bits, then combination complexity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombination complexityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The combination control unit is segmented into multiple independent discs (first combination control disc, second combination control disc, combination disc), each responsible for different bits of the combination. This segmentation allows one button to control multiple bits through coordinated rotation of multiple discs, resolving the contradiction by organizing complexity into manageable segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple combination control discs are nested on the same central shaft, with each disc capable of independent rotation. The first combination control disc, second combination control disc, and combination disc are arranged concentrically, allowing one button operation to simultaneously or sequentially control multiple nested discs, thereby achieving multi-bit combinations without adding more buttons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple combination control discs are used, then combination complexity increases, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombination complexityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each combination control disc is designed with universal features: positioning recesses, control notches, and swinging portions that work together with the cam mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the same basic disc structure to control multiple bits of the combination, simplifying manufacturing by using standardized components rather than custom-designed elements for each button.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The discs use parameter changes in their rotational positions to encode different combination bits. By varying the angular position of control notches and positioning recesses on the discs, the system can represent different combination values without changing the fundamental disc structure, making manufacturing easier while maintaining high combination complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If positioning mechanisms are added for each disc, then combination accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombination accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning mechanisms for multiple discs are merged into a single cam mechanism. The cam shaft with cam portions simultaneously controls the rotation of the first combination control disc, second combination control disc, and combination disc through swinging portions on each disc. This merging reduces device complexity by using one cam mechanism instead of separate positioning mechanisms for each disc, while still achieving high combination accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the button operation and the multiple combination control discs. Instead of directly positioning each disc independently, the cam shaft translates button presses into coordinated rotational movements of all discs, providing precise positioning through the cam profiles while simplifying the overall control structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9175504B2Mechanical combination lock

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 BORG LOCKS HK

AI summary

The present application is directed to a mechanical combination lock which includes a base having a cavity, a central shaft provided inside the cavity, and a plurality of combination control units provided on the central shaft, wherein each combination control unit includes a combination disc having at least three combination regions that correspond respectively to different combination conditions. The present application provides the mechanical combination lock whereby one button can set a combination with 2 or more bits. That means repeating characters can appear in a combination sequence. This can greatly increase the complexity of the combination sequence and can prevent cracking of the combination sequence without increasing the number of buttons on the mechanical combination lock.