Multi-Press Pushbutton Lock with Light Pipe Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical pushbutton locks with limited code combinations are vulnerable to unauthorized access, as the number of potential codes is restricted, making them insecure, and longer codes are cumbersome and difficult to remember.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical pushbutton lock design that allows each button to be pressed multiple times, increasing the number of potential code combinations without adding buttons, featuring a ratchet sleeve mechanism with interengaging elements and a locking plate that aligns radial notches to disengage the latch, ensuring security and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of buttons is increased to increase potential code combinations, then security is improved, but the lock becomes cumbersomely large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of button press count from single-press to multi-press (2-5 times), transforming the code combination space without adding physical buttons. This allows 10 buttons to generate 100,000 combinations instead of just 10, resolving the contradiction between security and compact size.
2Reliability
If the code length is increased to increase potential code combinations, then security is improved, but authorized users find it difficult to remember the code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter from code length (number of buttons pressed) to press count per button (how many times each button is pressed). This allows shorter codes (e.g., 1-2-3 pressed twice each) to generate sufficient combinations while being easier to remember than long sequences.
3Reliability
If a mechanical pushbutton lock is used without electrical power source, then reliability against power outages is improved, but the ability to provide visual feedback to users is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light pipes as intermediary elements that transmit light from LED sources to the button surfaces. This allows visual feedback illumination using minimal power, maintaining mechanical reliability while adding optical feedback capability through an efficient light transmission medium.
4Reliability
If the number of potential code combinations is increased, then security against code breaking is improved, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic button presses (repeating the same button multiple times) to generate code combinations. This periodic action pattern simplifies the mechanism compared to requiring different buttons, as the same physical component is reused in different temporal patterns, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining security.
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 design significantly enhances security by increasing code combinations while making codes easier to remember, reducing the risk of the lock being picked and improving user accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light pipe in communication with the at least one light source, wherein the at least one light pipe is arranged to transmit light from the at least one light source to each of the buttons
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A lockable enclosure (300) comprising: a body (301) having an internal cavity sized to contain one or more articles; an opening through the body to permit access to the articles; a door (302) pivotably connected to the body (301), the door comprising a plurality of apertures (112b) each aperture (112b) receiving a button (111) therethrough, wherein when the door (302) is in a closed position it covers the opening in the body (301); a lock (100) comprising a latch (117), wherein the latch (117) must be disengaged to move the door (302) to an open position thereby gaining access to the article(s) and wherein the latch (117) is disengaged by pressing one or more of the buttons (111) a predetermined number of times; at least one light source mounted to the door (302) of the lockable enclosure; at least one power source (52) in communication with the at least one light source, the at least one power source (52) disposed internally to the lockable enclosure; and at least one light pipe (50) in communication with the at least one light source, wherein the at least one light pipe (50) is arranged to transmit light from the at least one light source to each of the buttons (111).