Padlock Actuator Spring Integration and Key Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional padlocks often require additional components for spring loading during assembly, which complicates the construction and installation of the key cylinder and actuator, and may not securely retain the key cylinder when the shackle is open.
Innovation Solution
A padlock design featuring a torsion spring with one end engaging the lock body and the other end engaging the actuator, allowing for co-rotation of the key cylinder and actuator without additional washers or collars, and providing a 'key retaining' mechanism that prevents key removal when the shackle is open, while also allowing for easy assembly and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional components (washers, collars) are used for spring loading during assembly, then the key cylinder and actuator can be securely assembled, but the construction and installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with an integrated shoulder feature that combines the functions of multiple separate components (washers and collars) into a single structural element. This shoulder provides both the mounting surface for the spring and the retention feature for the key cylinder, eliminating the need for additional components and simplifying assembly while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator's shoulder is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a mounting surface for the torsion spring, provides axial positioning for the actuator, and acts as a retention feature for the key cylinder. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the shackle is designed to be fully removable from the lock body, then easy access and installation are achieved, but key retention security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The padlock implements a dynamic locking system where the locking mechanism automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on shackle position. When the shackle is removed, the locking mechanism remains engaged in a locked state, preventing key removal. When the shackle is inserted, the mechanism can be unlocked with the key. This dynamic behavior provides both easy shackle operation and key retention security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to preemptively prevent key removal when the shackle is in the removed position. The blocker portion of the actuator automatically engages with the locking member to prevent key extraction, even before the user attempts to remove the key. This preliminary anti-action ensures key retention security without interfering with normal shackle operation.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator is designed with larger rotation range, then the key cylinder can be fully rotated between locked and unlocked positions, but the lock body size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator's rotation path is designed to utilize the depth dimension of the lock body rather than requiring additional lateral space. The actuator rotates within a compact arc that fits within the existing lock body envelope, allowing full rotation between locked and unlocked positions without increasing the overall lock body dimensions.
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
Simplifies the assembly process, ensures secure key retention, and maintains axial alignment of the actuator and lock body components, enhancing the locking mechanism's reliability and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring having a first end engaging the lock body and a second end engaging the actuator to rotationally bias the key cylinder toward the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A padlock includes a lock body, a shackle receivable in first and second shackle openings in the lock body, and a locking mechanism disposed in the lock body. The locking mechanism includes at least one locking member, a key cylinder rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, an actuator assembled with the key cylinder for co-rotation therewith, and a torsion spring having a first end engaging the lock body and a second end engaging the actuator to rotationally bias the key cylinder toward the locked position. The actuator includes a projection that engages a portion of the lock body when the key cylinder is in a locked position, and a blocker portion aligned with the at least one locking member to hold the at least one locking member in locking engagement with the shackle when the key cylinder is in the locked position.