Combination-Identifiable Padlock with Key Actuated Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional padlocks with combination and key lock cylinders become partially functional if the user forgets the combination, as the combination lock cylinder becomes unusable, even if the key can be used for unlocking.

Innovation Solution

A combination-identifiable padlock design featuring a shell with a combination lock cylinder, a key lock cylinder, and an identification assembly, where the key lock cylinder is rotatable to actuate the identification assembly, allowing retrieval of the forgotten combination by aligning the internal wheels' identification holes with resilient pawls, thus maintaining the functionality of the combination lock cylinder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If both combination lock cylinder and key lock cylinder are provided, then the padlock can be unlocked when combination is forgotten, but the combination lock cylinder becomes unusable and partial function is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlocking capabilityVSAvoidcombination lock functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

An identification assembly is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the key lock cylinder and combination lock cylinder. When the correct key is inserted and rotated, it actuates the identification assembly which then identifies and reveals the combination through alignment of identification holes with resilient pawls. This mediator enables the combination to be recovered without damaging the combination lock cylinder, thus maintaining its future usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the combination is forgotten, then the key can unlock the padlock, but the combination lock cylinder cannot be used again

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlocking with keyVSAvoidcombination lock usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The identification assembly is pre-configured with resilient pawls and identification holes that correspond to the combination digits. When the correct key is used, it automatically actuates this pre-prepared identification mechanism, allowing the combination to be quickly revealed without time-consuming trial and error or damage to the lock cylinder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional padlock design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the combination cannot be retrieved when forgotten

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepadlock structureVSAvoidcombination information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The identification assembly is nested within the existing padlock structure, with resilient pawls and identification holes integrated into the combination lock cylinder mechanism. This nested design allows the combination retrieval function to be added without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process, while still preserving the combination information when the key is used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9228373B2Combination-identifiable padlock

Publication Date: 2016.01.05 HUANG CHIEN YUNG

AI summary

A combination-identifiable padlock has a shell, a combination lock cylinder, a key lock cylinder and an identification assembly. The combination lock cylinder, the key lock cylinder and the identification assembly are mounted in the shell. When the correct key is inserted, the key lock cylinder is rotatable to actuate the identification assembly and combination lock cylinder is actuated to identify the combination. Therefore, the combination is retrievable to avoid the combination lock cylinder to become unusable when the combination is forgotten.