Combination Padlock Reset Lever to Prevent Accidental Code Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional combination padlocks risk accidental resetting or reconfiguration of the code during normal usage due to inadvertent manipulation of the shackle, leading to unintended activation of the reset mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A padlock with a reset lever and slider mechanism that allows controlled reconfiguration of the code without entering the reset mode, featuring a clutch system that disengages from the dial teeth in the reset stage, ensuring the code can only be changed when the dials are in the correct combination and the reset lever is extended outward.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the shackle is pulled upward and pushed downward during normal usage, then the padlock can be opened and closed, but the code may be accidentally reset or reconfigured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshackle operationVSAvoidcode security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a reset lever as an intermediary component between the shackle and the combination mechanism. This reset lever must be manually activated to enable code resetting, serving as a mediator that prevents direct accidental resetting while allowing intentional code changes. The reset lever acts as a control gate that separates normal shackle operation from code reconfiguration functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the padlock operation into distinct functional stages: normal operation mode and reset mode. The reset lever creates a clear separation between these modes, where the combination mechanism can either lock/unlock the shackle or allow code reconfiguration, but not both simultaneously. This segmentation ensures that code changes can only occur when explicitly intended by the user through lever activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the reset mechanism is accessible during normal usage, then code reconfiguration is possible, but accidental code changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidaccidental prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control system where the reset lever can be moved between different positions (engaged and disengaged) to dynamically change the operational state of the combination mechanism. When the lever is in the engaged position, the combination mechanism is locked against code changes; when disengaged, code reconfiguration is enabled. This dynamic switching provides adaptability while maintaining reliability through clear state differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reset lever serves as a mandatory intermediary step between normal padlock usage and code reconfiguration. Users cannot accidentally change the code because the lever must be consciously manipulated to enable the reconfiguration function. This intermediary mechanism ensures that code changes are always intentional actions rather than inadvertent consequences of normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a reset lever is added to control the reset mechanism, then accidental code changes are prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccidental code change preventionVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reset lever is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component: it controls the engagement of the combination mechanism, indicates the operational state through its position, and prevents accidental code changes. By consolidating these functions into one lever rather than multiple separate mechanisms, the patent minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable accidental prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the reset control function with the existing shackle operation mechanism. The reset lever is integrated into the overall padlock structure and works in conjunction with the combination mechanism rather than being a completely separate system. This merging approach allows the new safety feature to be implemented with minimal additional complexity by leveraging existing structural elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260028855A1Padlock with reset function

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 SUN LOCK COMPANY LIMITED -THE-

AI summary

A padlock according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a lock body, a reset lever configured to operate the padlock between a reset stage and a non-reset stage, a shackle operatively coupled to the lock body and at least one dial. The lock body may include at least one window and the reset lever may include at least one wing, and the at least one window is configured to allow each wing of the reset lever to pass through the corresponding window of the lock body. When the dials are all in the correct code, the reset lever is configured to activate the padlock from the non-reset stage to the reset stage.