Combination Padlock Anti-Picking Coupling Plate Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination padlocks are vulnerable to picking due to the presence of only one true gate with four faulty gates, making them easily susceptible to lock picking.
Innovation Solution
A padlock design featuring nine faulty gates and one true gate, along with a key mechanism and a coupling plate that serves as an anti-picking mechanism and decode function, enhancing security by making it more difficult to pick and allowing for decoding of the combination code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only one true gate with four faulty gates is used in the combination mechanism, then the lock can be opened with the correct combination, but the lock becomes easily susceptible to picking
Solution Approach 1:
The combination mechanism is divided into multiple coupling plates, each containing multiple gates. Instead of a single set of gates, the patent implements nine faulty gates distributed across multiple plates, creating segmented layers of security that must all be overcome to pick the lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the critical parameter from one true gate among four faulty gates (1:4 ratio) to one true gate among nine faulty gates (1:9 ratio). This parameter change in the gate configuration significantly increases the complexity and time required for lock picking while maintaining the same combination opening functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a key mechanism is added to override the combination mechanism, then TSA agents can open the lock, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the anti-picking mechanism with faulty gates and as a decode function component. The same structural element that provides security against picking also enables TSA agents to decode and open the combination, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the anti-picking mechanism and the decode function into a single coupling plate structure. The faulty gates and the decode features are integrated in the same component, reducing overall device complexity while achieving both security and accessibility goals.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If nine faulty gates and one true gate are used instead of four faulty gates and one true gate, then the lock becomes more difficult to pick, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nine faulty gates are distributed across multiple coupling plates rather than being concentrated in a single component. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where each plate can be produced and assembled separately, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of gates.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~4B
Figure 5~10
AI summary
A padlock comprising a body/housing which contains a fin-catcher and a plate-hole to receive the coupling-plate, a shackle which contains a short-leg and long-leg, so that the short-leg can move away from the locking-hole to control the locking and opening position, a plurality of clutches to prevent the lock from being opened when the dials are not in a lock open by combination code, and a plurality of dials to control the rotational movement of the clutches.