Padlock Clutch Locking Mechanism Against Hammered Pin Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing padlocks are vulnerable to forceful entry by using a hammer to press a spring-loaded pin out of engagement with the sliding bolt, allowing unauthorized access without tampering with the cylinder lock.
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 moved by external force, and allowing the key to be removed after rotation, even if the pin is pressed against the biasing device.
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 the body to press the pin out of engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent clutch elements (first clutch element coupled to cylinder lock, second clutch element coupled to locking pin) that can rotate independently. This segmentation prevents force transmitted through the cylinder lock from directly affecting the locking pin, as each clutch element absorbs and isolates forces independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The two clutch elements act as intermediary components between the cylinder lock and the locking pin. The first clutch element receives rotational input from the cylinder lock, while the second clutch element controls the locking pin. The independent rotation capability of each clutch element serves as a buffer that prevents direct force transmission from external hammering to the locking pin.
2Reliability
If the locking pin is directly engaged with the sliding bolt to prevent forceful release, then security against tampering is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch elements are designed to rotate freely with respect to each other, introducing dynamic flexibility to the mechanism. This dynamic capability allows the system to absorb external forces without rigidly transmitting them, maintaining security while enabling smooth operation. The independent rotation of clutch elements provides a degree of freedom that simplifies the engagement and disengagement process.
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
The mechanism effectively prevents unauthorized release of the sliding bolt by external force, ensuring the key can be removed only after proper unlocking, thus enhancing security against tampering.
Implementation Method 1
a locking pin biasing device that urges the locking pin towards the sliding bolt
Implementation Method 2
a pusher element which is biased by a pusher biasing device, wherein when the sliding bolt is released for movement by the second clutch element, the pusher biasing device urges the pusher element against the sliding bolt to urge the sliding bolt to an unlocked position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A padlock (10) includes a body (12) which has a cylinder lock portion (14) and two bolt receiving portions (16) that extend away from the cylinder lock portion (14), the bolt receiving portions (16) being separated from each other by a gap (18), a cylinder lock (20) received in a bore (22) formed in the cylinder lock portion (14), a sliding bolt (30) arranged to slide in apertures (32) formed in the bolt receiving portions (16), a locking pin (40) arranged to engage the sliding bolt (30) by entering a notch (42) formed in the sliding bolt (30), wherein the locking pin (40) is urged towards the sliding bolt (30) by a locking pin biasing device (44), and a locking pin blocking mechanism (50) arranged to selectively prevent movement of the locking pin (40) and therefore prevent movement of the sliding bolt (30), wherein the locking pin blocking mechanism (50) includes a first clutch element (52) arranged to turn freely with respect to a second clutch element (54), wherein the first clutch element (52) is coupled to and turns together with the cylinder lock (20) and the second clutch element (54) is coupled to the locking pin (40) and is arranged to cause movement of the locking pin (40) that permits movement of the sliding bolt (30).