Multi-directional Lock with Displacement Unit for Luggage

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional locks require separate unlocking mechanisms for each fastener location, making it inconvenient to manage multiple locking sites, as users need to set up multiple locks and perform individual unlocking operations for each site.

Innovation Solution

A multi-directional lock system featuring a base seat with multiple buckles, fastener assemblies, a displacement operating unit, and a fixing unit, allowing a single unlocking operation to control multiple fasteners across different positions through a movable displacement unit that switches buckles between locked and unlocked states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate locks are used to control fasteners at different sites, then each fastener location can be independently secured, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to needing multiple locks and separate unlocking operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of fastener locationsVSAvoidnumber of locks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent locking functions into a single multi-directional lock device. The lock body includes multiple locking directions, each capable of securing fasteners at different sites simultaneously. This merging approach maintains security at multiple locations while reducing the total number of separate locks needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single lock device is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple locking tasks. It can lock fasteners at different sites through different locking directions, making one device universal for securing multiple opening parts rather than requiring dedicated locks for each location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate locks are used to control fasteners at different sites, then each fastener location can be independently secured, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to needing separate unlocking operations for each site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of fastener locationsVSAvoidunlocking process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent locking functions into a single multi-directional lock device. The lock body includes multiple locking directions, each capable of securing fasteners at different sites simultaneously. This merging approach maintains security at multiple locations while reducing the total number of separate locks needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single lock device is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple locking tasks. It can lock fasteners at different sites through different locking directions, making one device universal for securing multiple opening parts rather than requiring dedicated locks for each location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single lock controls multiple fasteners, then the device complexity and ease of operation improve, but the reliability deteriorates if one lock failure affects all fastener locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of locksVSAvoidsecurity of fastener locations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock device is segmented into multiple independent locking directions, each capable of operating autonomously. The first locking direction and second locking direction are structurally separate within the same lock body, allowing one direction to function independently even if another fails. This segmentation maintains reliability while using a single integrated device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking directions are designed to be dynamically independent, where the locking mechanism can selectively engage or disengage specific directions based on operational needs. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain security at affected locations even when other directions are unlocked or malfunctioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240344363A1Multi-directional lock, luggage with same, and cabinet with the multi-directional lock

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 SINOX CO LTD

AI summary

A multi-directional lock has a base seat, at least three buckles, at least three fastener assemblies, a displacement operating unit, and a fixing unit. When the multi-directional lock is to be unlocked, firstly, the fixing unit is released from the displacement operating unit, then the user can push the displacement operating unit towards the to-be-unlocked buckle, and the buckle will be switched to the fastener unlocked state, so that the fastener can be withdrawn. The multi-directional lock controls that the fasteners of multiple buckles can be pulled out by different movements of a single element, and the user only needs to unlock or operate to unfasten the displacement operating unit. The user can choose which fastener of the buckle to be pulled out by moving the displacement operating unit.