Electronic Padlock Clutch Locking Against Unauthorized Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic padlocks are vulnerable to unauthorized unlocking methods, such as using thin aluminum sheets and pliers, compromising security and user safety.
Innovation Solution
The electronic padlock incorporates a clutch mechanism with a blocking member and a control unit that requires a fingerprint verification and a motor-driven blocking member to transition between locked and unlocked states, ensuring secure operation and preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electronic padlock uses a simple engaging arm mechanism, then the device complexity is low, but the security reliability is insufficient and vulnerable to unauthorized unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The padlock is divided into multiple functional modules: outer casing unit, shackle unit, clutch unit, control unit, and security module. Each module performs a specific function, and the security module is further segmented into swing member, blocking member, and engaging portion. This segmentation allows the complex security functions to be distributed across modular components, making the system more manageable and maintainable while achieving high security reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The security module is nested within the outer casing unit, with the swing member rotatably disposed inside the accommodation space. The blocking member is nested within the clutch unit, which itself is integrated into the overall padlock structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to coexist in a compact configuration, achieving high security without excessive external complexity.
2Reliability
If the padlock uses a secure locking mechanism with multiple components, then the security is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the padlock into standardized modules (outer casing unit, shackle unit, clutch unit, control unit, security module), each component can be manufactured independently using optimized processes and then assembled. This modular approach maintains security through complex inter-component interactions while improving ease of manufacture through standardized production of individual units.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch unit combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it houses the blocking member that restricts swing member rotation, contains the elastic member for providing restoring force, and provides the mechanical interface for the engaging portion. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts to manufacture while maintaining the complex security functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the padlock adds security modules and control units, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security module is nested within the outer casing unit, with the swing member and blocking member arranged in a compact nested configuration. The control unit is integrated into the base seat within the accommodation space. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple security functions into a compact internal structure, preventing unauthorized access while minimizing the external footprint and perceived complexity of the device.
4Reliability
If the padlock uses a fingerprint sensor and control module, then security against criminal intent is improved, but the ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fingerprint sensor module automatically detects and verifies the user's fingerprint without requiring manual intervention beyond placing the finger on the sensor. The control module autonomously processes the authentication and triggers the motor to rotate the swing member if verification succeeds. This self-service automation maintains high security while preserving ease of operation, as the user simply needs to place their finger on the sensor.
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
Enhances security by requiring authorized fingerprint input for unlocking and preventing unauthorized access, while also providing water resistance and power supply alerts, ensuring secure and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (43) spaced above the blocking member (42) in the top-bottom direction (Z), and biasing the two slide blocks (41) to move in the left-right direction (X) away from each other
Implementation Method 2
a motor (51), a control module (52), a power supply module (53)... The control module (52) is able to receive the unlock signal (S2) and control the plunger (511) to drive the blocking member (42) to move from the locked position to the unlocked position
Implementation Method 3
a finger print sensor module (54)... The finger print sensor module (54) is able to generate an unlock signal (S2) according to a fingerprint input of the user
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The electronic padlock includes an outer casing unit (2), a security module (27), and a clutch unit (4). The outer casing unit (2) includes a case body (21) including an accommodation space (20), and a rear cover plate (26). The rear cover plate (26) has a securing groove (263). The security module (27) has a swing member (271), and a rotatable button (272). The swing member (271) is disposed in the accommodation space (20), and has a rotation restricting portion (273), and a hook portion (274) engageable with the rear cover plate (26). The rotatable button (272) extends into the accommodation space (20) to connect the swing member (271), and is operable to rotate the swing member (271) so that the hook portion (274) of the swing member (271) engages or disengages from the securing groove (263) of the rear cover plate (26).