Padlock Blocking Plate for Spring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Padlocks in prior art designs face issues with the unintentional release of the pin and spring biasing mechanism when the lock cylinder is removed, making shackle replacement and operation mode switching difficult, and limiting the use of standard lock cylinders without abutment features.
Innovation Solution
A blocking plate is integrated between the pin and the lock cylinder core within the lock body, featuring an opening that allows rotational movement of the lock cylinder core while restricting unintended movement of the pin and spring, enabling secure retention and facilitating shackle replacement and operation mode switching without special tools or trained personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the lock cylinder is removed from the lock body, then the pin and spring may unintentionally fall out, but this makes it difficult for untrained users to reassemble the components correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking plate serves as an intermediary component between the pin and the lock cylinder core. It provides a physical barrier that prevents the pin and spring from falling out when the lock cylinder is removed, while still allowing proper reassembly by guiding the components back into their correct positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking plate is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently installed and removed from the lock body. This segmentation allows it to perform its retention function without interfering with the removal and reassembly of the lock cylinder, pin, and spring.
2Reliability
If an abutment element is added to restrict rotational movement of the lock cylinder core, then over-rotation of the ball pin is prevented, but this limits replacement of lock cylinders to only those with abutment features
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking plate performs multiple functions: it prevents the pin and spring from falling out during lock cylinder removal, and it also provides an abutment surface that restricts rotational movement of the lock cylinder core. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate abutment elements and allows compatibility with standard lock cylinders without modifying them.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment function is merged into the blocking plate itself. The marginal region of the opening in the blocking plate forms an integrated abutment that combines the retention function with the rotational restriction function, allowing standard lock cylinders to be used without requiring them to have built-in abutment features.
3Ease of operation
If the opening in the blocking plate is made larger to allow free movement, then rotational movement of the lock cylinder core is facilitated, but this allows unintended movement of the pin and spring
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking plate has non-uniform structure with a localized opening that provides just enough space for the lock cylinder core to rotate freely, while the surrounding material maintains its blocking function. The opening is precisely sized and positioned to allow necessary movement in one area while maintaining retention in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the blocking plate is designed with an asymmetric shape that accommodates the rotational movement requirements of the lock cylinder core while maintaining asymmetric blocking features that prevent the pin and spring from falling out. The asymmetric design allows differential movement permissions in different directions and locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A padlock including a lock body, a shackle having two shanks with grooves for receipt of respective locking elements, and a pin which can be rotated by a lock cylinder core for moving the locking elements into their locking position. The pin has an engagement element configured to cooperate with an entrainer formation on the lock cylinder core. The padlock also includes a blocking plate located between the pin and the lock cylinder core and which is fastened in the lock body. The blocking plate has an opening through which the entrainer formation projects into the plane of the engagement element. The opening is configured such that, on the one hand, rotational movement of the lock cylinder core is possible and, on the other hand, a marginal region of the opening forms an abutment engageable with the entrainer formation for restricting rotational movement of the lock cylinder core.