Padlock Shackle-Integrated Locking Mechanism for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional padlocks with movable shackles have complex and expensive lock housings due to intricate holding and guiding sections for the locking device, resulting in an undesirably wide design.
Innovation Solution
The locking device's movable parts are integrated within the shackle, allowing the locking mechanism to interact with the lock housing externally when the shackle is closed, eliminating the need for complex internal structures and enabling a narrower lock body design by moving perpendicular to the locking mechanism's axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking device is accommodated between the driver of the locking mechanism and the shackle in a holding and guiding section of the lock housing, then the locking function is achieved, but the lock housing has an undesirably complex structure and an undesirably large width
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated into the shackle structure, where the locking element is received in a holding section of the shackle itself rather than in the lock housing. This nesting approach allows the locking mechanism to be housed within the shackle, eliminating the need for complex internal structures in the lock housing while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding and guiding sections for the locking device are extracted from the lock housing and transferred to the shackle structure. This extraction simplifies the lock housing by removing unnecessary internal components while the shackle assumes the additional functional responsibility of housing and guiding the locking element.
2Reliability
If the locking device is accommodated in the lock housing with holding and guiding sections, then the locking mechanism can be implemented, but the lock body has an undesirably large width
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is repositioned from a longitudinal arrangement within the lock housing to a transverse arrangement within the shackle. The locking element moves perpendicular to the actuating axis of the locking mechanism, utilizing the width of the shackle rather than extending the lock body width. This dimensional change allows the locking mechanism to function while maintaining a compact lock body profile.
3Reliability
If complex holding and guiding sections are provided in the lock housing, then the locking device can be properly supported, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shackle is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the mechanical linkage for locking, houses the locking element in its holding section, and guides the locking element during operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate, complex holding and guiding sections in the lock housing, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable support for the locking device.
Data Source
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AI summary
The lock has a lock body including a locking mechanism fixedly connected to a lock housing, and a driver selectably moved to unlatched position or latched position. A latching device is provided in the housing and effective among the driver, an L-shaped hoop (13) and the housing. The latching device latches the hoop to the housing when the hoop is in closed position and the driver is in the latched position. A movable part of the latching device is moved with the hoop between open position and the closed position of the hoop.