Padlock Cylinder Transverse Securing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing padlock designs require complex and tool-dependent methods to secure the lock cylinder to the lock housing, limiting ease of attachment and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A transversely movable securing element, preloaded by a compression spring, automatically engages with a securing opening in the lock housing upon insertion, allowing tool-free and secure attachment of the lock cylinder without the need for alignment with the shackle receiving channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking screw is used to secure the lock cylinder to the lock housing, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the attachment process becomes complex and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed to automatically engage with the securing opening when the lock cylinder is inserted into the lock housing. The element moves transversely to the cylinder axis and is pretensioned by a compression spring to interact with the securing opening, enabling self-securing without external tools or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring pre-tensions the securing element in advance, storing elastic energy that automatically pushes the element into the securing opening upon insertion. This preliminary action ensures the attachment is secured before the locking mechanism is even engaged.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lock cylinder is secured using a locking screw through the shackle receiving channel, then the attachment is stable, but the padlock width increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of securing the cylinder through the shackle receiving channel (one dimension), the securing element moves transversely to the cylinder axis in a different dimension. This allows the lock cylinder to be secured without increasing the padlock width, achieving compactness while maintaining stability.
3Reliability
If the securing element is inserted parallel to the cylinder axis through the shackle receiving channel, then the attachment is secure, but alignment requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element moves from the traditional axial direction (parallel to cylinder axis) to a transverse direction (perpendicular to cylinder axis). This dimensional change eliminates the need for precise alignment with the shackle receiving channel, simplifying the attachment process while maintaining security.
4Extent of automation
If a compression spring is used to pretension the securing element, then automatic securing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring provides automatic securing by storing elastic energy that naturally pushes the securing element into the securing opening. The system serves itself through the spring's inherent elastic properties, achieving automation without complex control mechanisms or additional components.
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
Enables a simple, reliable, and compact padlock design with a secure attachment mechanism that does not require tools, allowing for easy detachment and reattachment, and supports limited rotational movement of the cylinder core.
Implementation Method 1
the securing element is spring-mounted on the lock cylinder, i.e. the securing element is prestressed (e.g. by means of a compression spring) in the direction of a securing position
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A padlock comprises a lock housing, a U-shaped shackle and a cylinder in order to selectively lock the shackle on the lock housing, wherein the cylinder has a cylinder axis and is secured on the lock housing by means of a securing element. The securing element is mounted on the cylinder so as to be displaceable and spring back transversely to the cylinder axis, wherein the securing element engages with a securing opening on an inner face of the lock housing in order to secure the cylinder on the lock housing.