Padlock Clutch Locking Mechanism Against Hammered Bolt Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing padlocks are vulnerable to forceful entry by hammering, which can release the sliding bolt without tampering with the cylinder lock, compromising their security.
Innovation Solution
A padlock with an internal protection mechanism featuring a locking pin blocking mechanism comprising two clutch elements that rotate freely, preventing the locking pin from being forced out of engagement with the sliding bolt, even when subjected to hammer blows, allowing the key to be removed only when the clutch elements are properly aligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded pin is used to hold the sliding bolt in the locked position, then the padlock can be easily unlocked by turning the key, but the padlock becomes vulnerable to forceful entry by hammering
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent clutch elements (first clutch element and second clutch element) that can rotate relative to each other. The first clutch element is connected to the cylinder lock while the second clutch element controls the locking pin. This segmentation allows the key to be removed when properly aligned but prevents forceful release of the locking pin through hammering, as the relative rotation capability blocks the transmission of impact forces.
2Device complexity
If the locking pin is directly engaged with the sliding bolt, then the locking mechanism is simple, but forceful hammering can move the locking pin out of engagement without tampering with the cylinder lock
Solution Approach 1:
The second clutch element acts as an intermediary between the locking pin and the first clutch element. It includes a blocking portion that can engage with a corresponding feature on the locking pin, preventing the locking pin from being forcefully moved out of engagement. This intermediary component blocks the transmission of harmful impact forces while still allowing controlled operation through the key.
3Ease of operation
If the key can be removed immediately after opening the padlock, then the operation is convenient, but the locking pin blocking mechanism cannot prevent unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch elements are designed to rotate relative to each other during operation. The first clutch element rotates with the key in the cylinder lock, and this rotation is transmitted to the second clutch element only when properly aligned. This dynamic rotation mechanism ensures that the key can be removed only when the clutch elements are in the correct rotational position, providing security while maintaining operational convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A padlock includes a body which has a cylinder lock portion and two bolt receiving portions that extend away from the cylinder lock portion, the bolt receiving portions being separated from each other by a gap, a cylinder lock received in a bore formed in the cylinder lock portion, a sliding bolt arranged to slide in apertures formed in the bolt receiving portions, a locking pin arranged to engage the sliding bolt by entering a notch formed in the sliding bolt, wherein the locking pin is urged towards the sliding bolt by a locking pin biasing device, and a locking pin blocking mechanism arranged to selectively prevent movement of the locking pin and therefore prevent movement of the sliding bolt, wherein the locking pin blocking mechanism includes a first clutch element arranged to turn freely with respect to a second clutch element, wherein the first clutch element is coupled to and turns together with the cylinder lock and the second clutch element is coupled to the locking pin and is arranged to cause movement of the locking pin that permits movement of the sliding bolt.