Electronic Padlock Cover with Rotor Assembly and Protective Casing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic padlocks with knobs face issues of fragility, poor shock resistance, and inadequate tightness and weather resistance, particularly in outdoor applications, where they are prone to damage from falls and exposure to harsh elements.

Innovation Solution

An integral electronic padlock cover with a rotor assembly and protective casings for the body and knob, featuring a flexible head with rigid inserts for shock absorption, a return spring for automatic closure, and ergonomic fins for easy rotation, ensuring secure and reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the reading lid is made of plastic to facilitate reading by the opening device, then the reading function is improved, but the shock resistance deteriorates and the lid breaks easily when the padlock falls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading functionVSAvoidshock resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The reading lid is constructed as a composite structure combining a plastic base layer with a metallic reinforcement layer. The plastic provides the necessary flexibility for reading operations while the metallic layer embedded within or beneath the plastic provides structural strength and shock resistance, allowing the lid to withstand falls without breaking while maintaining its reading function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the knob is inserted into a projection sticking out of a window to protect from shocks, then the shock resistance is improved, but the rotation of the knob is hindered and ergonomics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock resistanceVSAvoidknob rotation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective structure is divided into separate functional elements: a protective projection that absorbs shocks independently from the knob assembly. The knob remains freely rotatable on its own axis while the projection provides shock protection, allowing the two functions to operate simultaneously without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the padlock is designed for outdoor applications in hostile environments, then the adaptability is improved, but the tightness and weather resistance deteriorate due to exposure to shocks, vibrations, sand, and pollution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutdoor application capabilityVSAvoidtightness and weather resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The padlock housing incorporates a flexible protective shell that can deform to absorb shocks and vibrations from outdoor environments. This flexible structure maintains the internal tightness and weather resistance by creating a resilient barrier against sand, pollution, and moisture while allowing the padlock to withstand the mechanical stresses of outdoor use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution provides enhanced protection against shocks, improved tightness, and better ergonomics, enabling the padlock to withstand falls and harsh environments while maintaining operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

flexible head with rigid inserts for shock absorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a return spring for automatic closure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3988747B1Case for electronic padlock with knob
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 SALTO SYST SL
  • EP3988747B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3988747B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3988747B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic padlock cover with a knob, wherein the padlock comprises a rotor assembly formed by an electronic cylinder (7) joined in continuity to an electronic knob (6), a body (8) wherein the cylinder (7) and a padlock ring (18) are housed, wherein the cover comprises a protective casing of the body (9) intended to surround and protect the body of the padlock (8) on one end, a support (5) with a ring-shaped configuration comprising two grooves (10) and an extension (11), centred on each groove (10), which comprises a pair of first holes (12) for the introduction of corresponding fastening screws (13) for fastening to the body of the padlock (8) and a protective casing of the knob (1) comprising two flanges (16) located in correspondence with the grooves (10), comprising an inner cylindrical opening for the housing of the knob (6).