Locking Apparatus Code Change Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical combination door locks require time-consuming and inconvenient code changes, necessitating disassembly and reassembly, which is not user-friendly for security updates.

Innovation Solution

A locking apparatus with a code change button and a mechanism allowing users to change access codes without disassembly, utilizing a series of button engagement disc clutch plates and coding disc clutch plates that align with teeth on a control plate to enable code changes by rotating the actuating hub, facilitated by springs for resilient return and biasing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lock is opened and removed from its mount to change the code, then the code can be changed by switching locking pins, but the process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode change capabilityVSAvoidtime required for code change

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a control plate with teeth, disc clutch plates with apertures, button pins with engagement levers, and an actuating hub. This segmentation allows the code change function to be isolated and operated independently without requiring removal of the entire lock assembly, enabling quick code changes by simply pressing buttons in the desired sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism consisting of disc clutch plates and button pins that mediate between the user's button presses and the locking tumblers. This intermediary system translates button press sequences into rotational movements of the actuating hub, which then controls the locking mechanism, allowing code changes without disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lock is opened and removed from its mount to change the code, then the locking pins can be reoriented, but the process requires skill and care and is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode customizationVSAvoidease of code change

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-configuring through the interaction of its components. When buttons are pressed in a desired sequence, the button pins rotate the disc clutch plates to specific angular positions, which automatically sets the code without requiring user skill or care. The system self-adjusts the internal configuration based on user input, eliminating the need for manual pin manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pin-switching system with a button-press-based control system. Instead of manually manipulating locking pins, users simply press buttons in the desired sequence, and the mechanical system automatically translates these presses into the appropriate tumbler configurations through the disc clutch plates and actuating hub mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons are used to set combinations with multiple bits, then the coding capability increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombination complexityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional elements into integrated components: the disc clutch plates serve both as coding elements with apertures and as transmission elements; the button pins combine lever arms with rotational elements; the control plate integrates teeth with the actuating hub interface. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining the ability to handle complex multi-button combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The disc clutch plates perform multiple functions: they act as coding elements with apertures that engage with teeth, serve as transmission elements that transfer rotational motion from button pins to the actuating hub, and provide angular positioning for different code configurations. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while enabling complex combination capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3508670B1Locking apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.12.18 STEPHMAN CO LTD

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AI summary

A locking apparatus (10) includes an actuating hub (17) rotatably mounted on a base (15), a handle (16) connected with the actuating hub (17), a control plate (26) provided adjacent to the actuating hub (17) and formed with a plurality of teeth (42), two locking tumblers (18, 20), and a series of button engagement disc clutch plates (38) and coding disc clutch plates (36) mounted on the locking tumblers (18, 20), whereby pressing a selected group of buttons (14) rotates their respective button engagement disc clutch plates (38) and coding disc clutch plates (36) such that cut-out apertures (37) formed on the coding disc clutch plates (36) align with the teeth (42) of the control plate (26), thereby allowing movement of the control plate (26) and rotation of the actuating hub (17) when the grip handle (16) is rotated. The apparatus (37) also includes a code change button (19) and a reset button (60).