Multi-Cylinder Padlock with Segmented Shackle Stop Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing padlocks require identical keys for multiple users, leading to inconvenience and loss of access if key codes are changed, as they typically have a single locking mechanism that is actuated by a single cam, limiting flexibility and cooperation between entities.
Innovation Solution
A padlock design featuring a movably housed shackle stop with a pivotable actuator and multiple cylinder locks that can independently actuate the shackle stop, allowing multiple cylinder locks to operate simultaneously and maintain access even if key codes are changed, enhancing security and convenience by allowing different entities to use the padlock without requiring identical keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single locking mechanism with a single cam is used, then the structure is simple, but multiple users require identical keys which reduces flexibility and convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent cylinder locks (at least two), each with its own key, rather than a single centralized lock. Each cylinder lock has an associated cam that can independently actuate the common shackle stop, allowing different users to access the lock with different keys while maintaining a unified locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The shackle stop serves as a universal actuation point that responds to multiple different cylinder locks. The common shackle stop mechanism allows any of the multiple cylinder locks to independently trigger the same locking/unlocking action, providing multi-functionality where a single locking mechanism serves multiple users with different keys.
2Reliability
If one entity changes the key coding, then security is improved for that entity, but other parties lose access to the padlock
Solution Approach 1:
The key access system is segmented into multiple independent cylinder locks, each with its own key coding. When one entity changes their key coding, it only affects their specific cylinder lock while leaving other cylinder locks and their associated keys unaffected, allowing independent key code changes without impacting other users' access.
Solution Approach 2:
The common shackle stop acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between multiple independent cylinder locks. It receives actuation from any of the cylinder locks and translates it into a unified locking action, ensuring that changes in one cylinder lock's key coding do not affect the functionality of other cylinder locks.
3Strength
If a single cam actuates the shackle stop, then the mechanism is simple, but the strength and security are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent cylinder lock cams are merged to actuate a single common shackle stop. Instead of each cylinder lock having its own separate shackle stop, the invention combines multiple cam actuators working on one unified shackle stop mechanism, thereby increasing security through multiple independent actuation points while maintaining structural efficiency.
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 multiple entities to access the padlock without needing identical keys, allowing independent key code changes without affecting others' access, improving security and convenience by providing a robust locking mechanism that maintains functionality even if one entity changes their key code.
Implementation Method 1
a shackle stop actuator pivotable around a laterally orientated pivot axis and comprising a lateral cam surface configured to outwardly move the shackle stop into receipt by the shackle stop receiver
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a padlock (10). The padlock (10) comprises a movably housed shackle stop (24) and a shackle (18) that is movably mounted and includes a shackle stop receiver (22) for receiving the shackle stop (24) to immobilise the shackle (18). A shackle stop actuator (30) is pivotable around a laterally orientated pivot axis between a first position and a second position and includes a lateral cam surface configured to outwardly move the shackle stop (24) into receipt by the shackle stop receiver (22). A body (12) of the padlock is configured to simultaneously receive a plurality of cylinder locks (14, 16) for actuation of the shackle stop actuator (30) by any one of the plurality of cylinder locks (14, 16).