Padlock Dual Locking Mechanism for Non-Destructive Inspection Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locks, both combination and key locks, are often subjected to physical destruction by inspection and security personnel, leaving containers, packages, and luggage unprotected during inspection, as they cannot be opened without resorting to destructive means.
Innovation Solution
A dual locking system padlock with a combination locking mechanism and a key locking mechanism, featuring a latch plate that controls clutch movement, allowing secure opening and relocking without physical destruction, enabling inspection personnel to access contents without damaging the lock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lock system is used, then the lock provides security protection, but inspection and security personnel must physically break the lock to gain access for inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into two independent locking mechanisms: a key-controlled locking mechanism and a combination-controlled locking mechanism. Each mechanism can independently control the latch plate and clutch assembly, allowing either one to be used for securing or opening the lock. This segmentation enables inspection personnel to use the combination mechanism for access while the key mechanism maintains security during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can be secured by key, opened by key, secured by combination, and opened by combination. The latch plate and clutch assembly work with both locking mechanisms, making the system versatile for different user needs while maintaining security and enabling inspection access without physical destruction.
2Ease of operation
If inspection personnel physically break the lock to gain access, then they can inspect the contents, but the lock is destroyed and the container remains unprotected during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The combination locking mechanism is pre-configured with a specific combination code that inspection personnel can use to open the lock before physical breakdown is necessary. This preliminary preparation of the combination mechanism allows for non-destructive access during inspection, and the lock can be re-secured using either mechanism after inspection, maintaining protection during subsequent transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual locking system allows the lock to be opened and re-secured without destruction. After inspection personnel use the combination mechanism to access contents, the lock can be re-secured using either the key or combination mechanism, recovering the protective function without discarding the lock itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single locking mechanism is used, then the lock structure is simple, but it cannot provide both key-controlled and combination-controlled opening options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate locking mechanisms (key-controlled and combination-controlled) into a single integrated lock system. Both mechanisms share common components including the latch plate, clutch assembly, and shackle, while maintaining independent control capabilities. This merging approach provides multiple opening options without requiring completely separate lock systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a padlock that includes a body and a shackle that has a toe portion and a heel portion. The shackle can be released from the body from a locked mode to a lock opened mode by upward movement of the shackle away from the body. The padlock also includes a combination locking mechanism configured to control the heel portion of the shackle when a correct combination is arranged on the combination locking mechanism. The combination locking mechanism may be reconfigured so that a new combination is entered for the combination locking mechanism. The padlock also includes a key locking mechanism that includes a cylinder operatively connected to a cam for controlling movement of the cam. The padlock may be placed in the lock opened mode by either the combination locking mechanism or the key locking mechanism.