Padlock Guard with Integrated Storage Cavity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cylindrical shackle-less locks lack a means to securely store the lock when it is not in use, leading to misplacement or loss, especially in vehicles and structures where the lock is frequently disengaged during operations.

Innovation Solution

A padlock guard with a cylindrical shell made of high-strength metal, designed to accommodate the lock with a sliding fit, featuring a split design for vehicles and a single piece for rolling gates, incorporating a lock securing member with a hook and stopper mechanism to securely store the lock when not in use, and a kit for retrofitting existing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cylindrical shackle-less lock is used to enhance security against cutting attacks, then the lock resistance to theft is improved, but the lock cannot be securely stored when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock securityVSAvoidlock storage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical lock is nested within the padlock guard housing, which provides a storage cavity. When the lock is not in use, it can be inserted into and stored within the guard, preventing loss or misplacement while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The padlock guard serves as an intermediary structure between the lock and the user/environment. It provides the hasp plate and housing that enable secure storage of the lock when not in use, while the guard itself can be mounted to vehicles or structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a padlock guard is added to protect the cylindrical lock from pry bar attacks, then the lock protection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock protectionVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The padlock guard is designed to perform multiple functions: it protects the cylindrical lock from pry bar attacks, provides a storage cavity for the lock when not in use, and includes mounting features (hasp plate) for attachment to vehicles or structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing, hasp plate, and lock storage function are merged into a single integrated padlock guard assembly, simplifying the overall system while providing comprehensive protection and storage capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If the padlock guard is made from high-strength metal to resist attacks, then the guard strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguard strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The padlock guard is constructed from composite materials - the housing and hasp plate are made from high-strength metal (such as steel) to resist attacks, while the lock storage cavity can accommodate standard cylindrical locks. This selective use of materials provides necessary strength while controlling manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS7562546B2Locking system

Publication Date: 2009.07.21 JDM VENTURES

AI summary

The present invention is a locking system comprising a cylindrical padlock, a lock securing member attached to the cylindrical padlock, a padlock guard, a hasp plate, and at least one of the following: an outer flange on the padlock guard mounted parallel to the hasp plate or an outer flange on the hasp plate mounted perpendicular to the hasp plate. The locking system allows the user to securely store the lock when it is not in use.