Multi-Press Lock with Ratchet Sleeve for Enhanced Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical pushbutton locks with limited code combinations are insecure due to ease of code breaking, and increasing button numbers makes locks cumbersome and difficult to remember, while multi-press locks can be picked without exhausting all combinations.
Innovation Solution
A lock design featuring buttons that can be pressed multiple times, with a ratchet sleeve mechanism that aligns radial notches with projections on a locking plate upon correct button presses, allowing for a predetermined number of button presses to unlock the lock, increasing security without adding buttons and preventing picking by misaligning notches when the lock is engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of buttons is increased to increase potential code combinations, then security is improved, but the lock becomes cumbersomely large and difficult to remember
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling buttons to be pressed multiple times (2-5 times) rather than just once, transforming a static button configuration into a dynamic coding system. This allows the same physical buttons to generate many more code combinations through varied press sequences, increasing security without adding more buttons or increasing lock size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of button press count from fixed (1 press) to variable (2-5 presses). By modifying this operational parameter, the system generates a much larger code space (e.g., 10 buttons × 5 presses = 50 possible code elements) without physically expanding the device, thus improving security while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Reliability
If multi-press buttons are used to increase code combinations, then security is improved, but the lock becomes vulnerable to picking without exhausting all combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action through the ratchet sleeve mechanism with radial notches and locking plate projections. When the correct code is entered, the notches align with projections to engage the latch. When incorrect, the misalignment physically prevents latch engagement. This preliminary mechanical verification prevents picking attempts from succeeding without exhausting all code combinations, as the mechanism itself blocks unauthorized opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet sleeve acts as an intermediary between the button presses and the latch mechanism. The radial notches on the ratchet sleeve mediate the transmission of force from button presses to the locking plate, requiring precise alignment with projections. This intermediary mechanism ensures that only correctly sequenced multi-press inputs can advance the ratchet sleeve to engage the latch, preventing picking while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If a long code is used to increase security, then security is improved, but authorized users may forget the code and be unable to open the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic multi-press capability allows flexible code design where repeated button presses (e.g., pressing button '3' five times) can create memorable patterns. Users can choose codes based on personal significance (dates, repetitions) rather than being forced into long sequential numbers. The system accommodates both long and short codes equally well, allowing users to balance security with memorability.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock includes a housing having a plurality of apertures receiving buttons. A biasing member biases each button towards an un-pressed position. A plurality of spools includes circumferential grooves. Each circumferential groove has a notch that is angularly displaced relative to each of the other notches on that spool. A plurality of legs is in communication with one of the buttons and contacts one of the circumferential grooves. A locking plate includes apertures receiving the spools. An actuator is associated with the locking plate and a latch. Pressing and releasing the buttons causes translation of the spool rotationally orienting a notch to be adjacent to the locking plate. The locking plate only moves into an unlocked position, when driven by the actuator disengaging the latch and unlocking the lock if all of the notches which are adjacent to the locking plate are in a unlocked rotational orientation.