Universal Padlock Retaining Pin Passage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current padlock designs require separate development and production for rigid and flexible hoop types, leading to high costs and limited manufacturing flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A padlock design that uses the same lock body and latch mechanism for both rigid and flexible hoops, with retaining pin passages in the lock body allowing for conversion between the two types, enabling the use of the same components and reducing production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate development and production are conducted for rigid and flexible hoop padlocks, then each padlock type can be optimized for its specific use, but manufacturing costs increase and production flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization for specific useVSAvoidmanufacturing costs and production flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lock body is designed with a universal retaining pin passage that can accommodate both rigid hoops and flexible hoops. The retaining pin can be positioned in different locations within the same passage to secure either type of hoop, allowing a single lock body design to serve multiple functions and eliminate the need for separate development and production lines for different hoop types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a single lock body design is used for both rigid and flexible hoops, then manufacturing costs decrease and production flexibility increases, but the ability to optimize each padlock type for its specific use may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costs and production flexibilityVSAvoidoptimization for specific use

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining pin passage is segmented into multiple positions within the lock body. The retaining pin can be inserted at different locations along this passage depending on whether a rigid or flexible hoop is being secured. This segmentation allows the single lock body to provide optimized securing mechanisms for each hoop type while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If different retaining pin configurations are used for rigid and flexible hoops, then each hoop type can be securely retained, but device complexity and manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure retentionVSAvoidnumber of configurations and assembly steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single retaining pin design is used for both rigid and flexible hoops, eliminating the need for different pin configurations. The retaining pin operates within a universal passage that accommodates both hoop types, simplifying the device structure and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure retention for each hoop type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11255110B2Padlock

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 ABUS AUGUST BREMICKER SOEHNE KG

AI summary

A to a padlock comprising a lock body and a hoop that is movable between a closed position and an open position and that has a first hoop end and a second hoop end, wherein a first hoop receiver for the first hoop end and a second hoop receiver for the second hoop end are formed in the lock body, and wherein a latch mechanism is provided that is adjustable by a cylinder core that is rotatable about a cylinder axis between a locked position in which the latch mechanism fixes the hoop in the closed position and a release position in which the latch mechanism releases the hoop for a movement into the open position.