Luggage Case Lock with Latch and Hook Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luggage locks, such as TSA Locks, are vulnerable to breaking with suitable tools, leading to potential theft as zippers can be easily compromised, failing to securely protect the contents during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A luggage lock device comprising a case member, a front cover, a lock member with a hook portion, a latch, a spring, and a lever member, where the latch engages the hook portion to lock the front cover with the case member, and the lever is used to disengage the latch for unlocking, providing enhanced security through a mechanical locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TSA Lock is used to protect zippers, then the luggage has basic locking capability, but the lock can be broken by suitable tools like screwdriver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional zipper-based mechanical locking system with a latch-and-hook mechanical engagement system. The latch member engages with the hook portion to secure the front cover to the case member, creating a more robust mechanical connection that cannot be easily picked or broken like traditional zippers and TSA locks.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a latch member for engagement, a hook portion for securing, a lever member for actuation, and a spring for maintaining engagement force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and creates a more complex system that is harder to compromise with simple tools.
2Reliability
If a robust lock mechanism is implemented, then security against theft is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a spring-loaded latch that can dynamically engage and disengage from the hook portion. The spring automatically maintains engagement force and allows for easy one-handed operation of the lever member to unlock, providing both security and operational simplicity without requiring complex multi-step procedures.
3Reliability
If the latch is spring-loaded for automatic engagement, then the locking reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded design allows for adjustment of engagement parameters such as engagement force, travel distance, and clearance. By optimizing these parameters, the mechanism can achieve reliable engagement with reasonable manufacturing tolerances, balancing reliability with manufacturability.
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 described lock device securely fastens the front cover to the case member, preventing unauthorized access and theft by ensuring the latch engages securely with the hook portion, while allowing easy operation with the lever, thus enhancing the security of luggage contents during travel.
Implementation Method 1
a spring having opposite ends urging the latch and the lock base
Data Source
AI summary
A luggage includes a case member having an opening; a front cover connected to the case member to open and close the opening of the case member; a lock member connected to the case member, wherein the lock member has a hook portion, and the hook portion has a bore; a lock base connected to the front cover; a latch movably connected to the lock base; a spring having opposite ends urging the latch and the lock base; and a lever member pivoted lock base and associated with the latch. The latch engages the bore of the hook portion to lock the front cover with the case member, and the lever is turned to move the latch and disengage the latch with the bore of the hook portion of the lock member to unlock the front cover with the case member.