Portable Padlock Tool-Free Battery Replacement Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic ironing locks require tools to replace the energy source, which can cause delays and compromise safety due to the need for a separate fastener to ensure a reliable seal against liquids and dust, especially in occupational safety environments.

Innovation Solution

A portable ironing lock with an electromechanical locking mechanism featuring a housing with an exchange opening and a lid that uses elastic deformable sealing sections to securely seal the energy source, allowing tool-free replacement of the energy source by compressing and deforming the sealing sections upon lid attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate fastener is used to seal the housing opening, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged with the lid itself. The lid incorporates an elastically deformable sealing section that directly forms the seal when the lid is attached to the housing, eliminating the need for separate fasteners or sealing components. This integration resolves the contradiction by maintaining sealing reliability while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing section is designed to be self-sealing through elastic deformation. When the lid is attached to the housing, the sealing section automatically deforms to create a tight seal without requiring additional fastening operations. This self-service mechanism improves sealing reliability while simplifying the device structure and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a separate fastener is used to ensure seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged with the lid itself. The lid incorporates an elastically deformable sealing section that directly forms the seal when the lid is attached to the housing, eliminating the need for separate fasteners or sealing components. This integration resolves the contradiction by maintaining sealing reliability while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing section is designed to be self-sealing through elastic deformation. When the lid is attached to the housing, the sealing section automatically deforms to create a tight seal without requiring additional fastening operations. This self-service mechanism improves sealing reliability while simplifying the device structure and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If tool-free replacement is implemented, then productivity is improved, but sealing reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy source replacement speedVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing section is designed to be self-sealing through elastic deformation. When the lid is attached to the housing, the sealing section automatically deforms to create a tight seal without requiring additional fastening operations. This self-service mechanism enables tool-free replacement while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing section utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change. By designing the sealing section with appropriate elastic properties, it can automatically adapt to the housing opening geometry and create a reliable seal through deformation alone, enabling both tool-free operation and maintained sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 quick and reliable sealing of the energy source without additional fasteners, ensuring safety and ease of energy source replacement, suitable for lockout slope locks and other applications where rapid access is necessary.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastically deformable sealing section which forms a raised portion running circumferentially on a side wall of the housing or the cover, wherein the sealing section can be compressed by plugging the cover into place to seal the replacement opening between the cover and the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4545737A1Portable shackle lock
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 ABUS AUGUST BREMICKER SOEHNE KG
  • EP4545737A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4545737A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4545737A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A portable padlock comprises a lock body, a shackle, and an electromechanical locking mechanism designed to selectively lock the shackle. A power source for the locking mechanism is located in a housing with a service opening through which the power source can be inserted and removed. The padlock includes a cover that can be attached to the housing to close the service opening. The housing or cover has at least one elastically deformable sealing section that forms a circumferential protrusion on a side wall of the housing or cover and is compressible and/or elastically deformable between the cover and the housing when the cover is attached.