Master Keyed Combination Lock with Magnetic Sensor Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination locks do not facilitate easy recovery of a lost or forgotten combination, making it difficult for users to regain access.
Innovation Solution
A resettable multiple dial lock with magnetically sensed master key functionality, where magnets on the reset dials communicate with sensors on the master key to indicate the correct positions of the outer dials, allowing users to reset or recover the lost combination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a combination lock uses a resettable mechanism with outer dials and reset dials, then the lock allows easy resetting of the combination, but it becomes extremely difficult to recover a lost combination
Solution Approach 1:
A master key with magnetic sensors acts as an intermediary tool to detect the positions of magnets on reset dials. The master key mediates between the user and the lock's internal mechanism, providing a way to recover lost combinations without compromising the normal resettable function. The magnetic sensors on the master key detect magnet positions and provide visual feedback through LEDs, enabling combination recovery while maintaining the lock'såæ reset capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pure mechanical combination recovery methods with a magnetic sensing system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical alignment or trial-and-error, the master key uses magnetic sensors to detect the positions of magnets on reset dials and provides electronic visual feedback through LEDs. This substitution makes combination recovery feasible while preserving the mechanical resettable structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lock provides master key functionality to open without combination, then it permits opening without the combination, but it does not facilitate recovery of a lost combination
Solution Approach 1:
The master key is designed with multi-functionality: it can both open the lock without a combination (traditional master key function) and facilitate recovery of lost combinations through its magnetic sensors and LED feedback system. This universal design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for opening and combination recovery, making the master key a versatile tool that addresses both needs in one device
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
Enables users to easily recover a lost combination by rotating the outer dials to their correct positions, providing a secure and user-friendly method for resetting the lock.
Implementation Method 1
The reset dials are rotatably and slidably connected to the lock shaft, and each includes a magnet
Implementation Method 2
A master key according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may comprise sensors such as Hall effect sensors or Reed sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple dial lock includes reset dials rotatable around a lock shaft. Each reset dial must be at a specific angular position for a user to unlock the lock or reset the combination. Each reset dial has a magnet. A master key includes sensors, each in communication with one signal. Each of the signals indicates to a user that a respective magnet is adjacent a respective sensor, thus assisting a user in recovering a lost combination. A rotary lock includes a dial which rotates a drive cam, which in turn rotates several wheels to their unlocking positions. One magnet for each wheel is provided on the drive cam. Each magnet communicates with one sensor provided on a master key, which also includes signals, indicating that a respective magnet is adjacent a respective sensor, thus assisting a user in recovering a lost combination.