Modular Padlock Cylinder Assembly for Secure Multi-Configuration Kits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing padlock kits and systems lack the ability to provide high variability in configurations while ensuring reliable and secure assembly, as different types of locking cylinders often result in gaps or less secure fastening, making them vulnerable to tampering.

Innovation Solution

A padlock basic kit and system that includes a lock body, multiple locking cylinder adapters, and a locking plate, allowing for the assembly of padlocks with different types of locking cylinders and shackles, with precise receiving channels and a design that ensures secure fit and concealment of the locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different types of locking cylinders are used to provide configuration variability, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to gaps and less secure fastening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration variabilityVSAvoidassembly security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces locking cylinder adapters as intermediary components that mediate between the lock body and different types of locking cylinders. These adapters have receiving channels specifically designed to accommodate various cylinder profiles (DIN EN 1303, DIN EN 1789, etc.) and provide a standardized interface to the lock body, ensuring secure fastening and eliminating gaps regardless of the cylinder type used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the locking mechanism into modular components: a universal lock body, multiple specialized locking cylinder adapters for different cylinder types, and various shackles. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability through precise interfacing between segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple locking cylinder adapters are included to accommodate different cylinder types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecylinder type compatibilityVSAvoidkit component variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of locking cylinders through the use of standardized adapters. Each adapter serves multiple functions: it provides a mechanical interface for a specific cylinder type, ensures secure fastening to the universal lock body, and maintains consistent positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized lock bodies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapters act as intermediaries that translate between the diverse interfaces of different locking cylinder types and the standardized interface of the lock body. This mediation approach allows the system to handle multiple cylinder types without requiring the lock body itself to be complex or adaptable to each specific cylinder design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the locking plate completely conceals the locking mechanism, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted key access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetamper preventionVSAvoidkey insertion accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking plate is designed with differentiated local qualities: the majority of the plate provides complete concealment and security, while a specific localized region contains a key opening that provides controlled access to the keyway. This local quality approach allows the plate to simultaneously achieve tamper prevention through overall concealment and ease of operation through targeted accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The locking plate transforms the potential harm of exposed locking mechanisms (vulnerability to tampering) into a benefit by providing complete concealment. The only opening necessary for operation (key insertion) is minimized to the absolute minimum required, converting the constraint of concealment into a security advantage while maintaining operational functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP4150178B1Padlock basic assembly kit and padlock system
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 ABUS AUGUST BREMICKER SOEHNE KG
  • EP4150178B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4150178B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4150178B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a padlock basic assembly kit for assembling a padlock in a configuration that can be selected from a plurality of configurations, wherein the configurations differ with respect to the type of locking cylinder used in the padlock and optionally also with respect to the type of locking bar used in the padlock, said padlock basic assembly kit comprising a lock body, at least two different locking cylinder adapters, and a closure plate. A first of the at least two locking cylinder adapters has a receiving channel which is designed to receive a locking cylinder of a first type, and a second of the at least two locking cylinder adapters has a receiving channel which is designed to receive a locking cylinder of a second type. The lock body has a locking cylinder receptacle which extends along a longitudinal direction into the lock body and is designed to selectively receive the first locking cylinder adapter with a locking cylinder of the first type inserted therein, the second locking cylinder adapter with a locking cylinder of the second type inserted therein, or a locking cylinder of a third type. The closure plate is designed to close the locking cylinder receptacle in such a way that it substantially completely covers a locking cylinder received in the locking cylinder receptacle.