Padlock Sealing with Gasket Rings and Threaded Keyhole Cap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing padlocks face challenges in maintaining functionality in harsh conditions such as deserts, gas stations, and mines, where protection against dust, water, and dirt is insufficient, especially when using conventional gaskets and plastic flaps.

Innovation Solution

The padlock design incorporates gasket rings around shackle holes, a protective cap with a double-threaded mechanism for the keyhole, and gasketed latch organs to enhance sealing and ease of use, with optional upgrades to further improve protection levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional gaskets and plastic flaps are used to protect against dust and water, then some level of protection is achieved, but protection in harsh conditions (deserts, gas stations, mines) remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against dust, water and dirtVSAvoidfunctionality in harsh conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective sealing system is divided into multiple segments: gasket rings at shackle holes, gasket at the keyhole cover, and gasketed latch organs. Each segment addresses specific entry points for contaminants, creating comprehensive protection against dust, water, and dirt in harsh conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Gasket rings and gaskets are introduced as intermediary sealing elements between the external environment and internal padlock components. These intermediaries prevent direct contact between contaminants (dust, water, dirt) and sensitive internal mechanisms, ensuring reliability in harsh conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If gasket rings are added around shackle holes to improve sealing, then protection level increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of dirt and water ingressVSAvoidnumber of sealing components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket rings serve multiple functions simultaneously: they seal against water and dust ingress, provide structural reinforcement around shackle holes, and maintain alignment of the shackle ends. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Gasket rings and gaskets utilize flexible sealing elements that conform to the mating surfaces, creating effective seals without requiring complex rigid structures. The flexible nature of these thin film seals allows them to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a threaded cover with cap and gasket is used for the keyhole, then protection against water and dirt improves, but ease of operation may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing of key channelVSAvoidaccess to keyhole

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The keyhole cover is designed as a dynamic component that can be opened when needed (during key insertion/removal) and closed for protection. The threaded connection with cap provides secure sealing when closed, while allowing easy access when opened, balancing protection with operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9670699B2Padlock

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 ABLOY OY

AI summary

A padlock, which is capable of remaining functional in even very dusty, watery or otherwise difficult conditions is disclosed. In addition, there would be reason for forming the protection level of the padlock to be selectable and updatable as needed to be even better. A protective cap is provided with a gasket and possibly gasketed latch elements.