Combination Lock Resilient Member Assembly Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combination locks face challenges in manufacturing due to the complexity and time required for assembling tiny springs and push members, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A combination lock design featuring a casing with a base and cover, including a number disk unit with a shaft, driving wheels, and rotary disks, utilizing a resilient member with engaging portions to rotate and pause number disks by one mark area each time, simplifying assembly and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tiny springs and push members are used in each partition to rotate number disks, then the number disks can be rotated one number at a time with spring biasing force, but the assembling processes become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual spring-pusher assemblies into a single integrated resilient member with multiple engaging portions. This resilient member simultaneously engages with multiple number disks, eliminating the need for separate springs and pushers in each partition. The result is dramatically simplified assembly while maintaining the one-number-at-a-time rotation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member serves multiple functions: it provides biasing force to multiple number disks simultaneously, engages with grooves on different disks, and enables sequential rotation control. This multi-functional design replaces numerous individual components with a single universal element, improving both assembly efficiency and operational control.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple tiny springs and push members are installed in each partition, then each number disk can be precisely controlled, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple individual spring-pusher units into one resilient member, the patent reduces component count and assembly complexity. This merging approach maintains precise positioning accuracy through the engaging portions that interface with grooves on each number disk, while significantly lowering manufacturing costs through reduced parts inventory and simplified assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member uses uniform material properties and consistent engaging portion design across all number disks. This homogeneous design ensures uniform positioning accuracy for each disk while simplifying manufacturing, as the same component design can be replicated across multiple partitions without requiring custom parts for each position.
3Ease of operation
If the resilient member engages with grooves on number disks, then the number disks are rotated and paused by one mark area each time, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is segmented into multiple engaging portions, each corresponding to a specific number disk. This segmentation allows independent engagement and rotation control of each disk while maintaining a unified structure. The engaging portions are strategically positioned to interface with grooves on respective disks, enabling precise one-mark-area rotation and pausing without requiring complex interconnections between disks.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design allows for efficient rotation and pausing of number disks, reducing assembly time and manufacturing costs while ensuring stable operation, making the combination lock easier to produce and assemble.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member is located between the seat and the number disks. Multiple engaging portions extend from one side of the resilient member and are respectively engaged with the grooves of the number disks. The number disks are biased by the engaging portions...
Data Source
AI summary
A combination lock includes a casing, a number disk unit, a restriction member located above the number disk unit, and a resilient member cooperated with the number disk unit. The number disk unit has multiple rotary disks and multiple number disks, each number disk has multiple mark areas and multiple grooves located alternatively to the mark areas. The resilient member has multiple engaging portions which are resiliently engaged with the grooves of the number disks so as to ensure that each of the number disks is rotated one mark area and the engaging portion is engaged with the groove to pause the number disk. The combination lock is easily assembled and manufactured.