Compact Padlock With Tangential Rotary Bolt and Radial Blocking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional padlocks with interchangeable lock cylinders are often large and costly to manufacture due to the need for extensive material and labor, while also lacking in security against unauthorized opening.
Innovation Solution
A compact padlock design featuring a rotating bolt with a tangentially engaging blocking section and a radially acting blocking element, which uses a double locking mechanism to secure the shackle, reducing material usage and production costs while enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional locking mechanism with interchangeable lock cylinder is used, then the padlock can be adapted to existing locking systems, but the padlock becomes large and requires extensive material and labor for manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent blocking elements that operate on different principles: one blocking element acts radially on the first leg, while the rotating bolt acts tangentially on the second leg. This segmentation allows each component to be minimized in size while collectively providing complete locking functionality, enabling compact padlock dimensions without sacrificing adaptability to standard lock cylinders
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating bolt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the primary locking mechanism for the second leg through tangential engagement, drives the blocking element radially outward for the first leg, and provides the rotational movement necessary for both locking and unlocking operations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, allowing for a more compact lock body design
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional locking mechanism with interchangeable lock cylinder is used, then the padlock can be adapted to existing locking systems, but the production costs increase due to extensive material and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent blocking actions: one blocking element acts radially on the first leg, while the rotating bolt itself acts tangentially on the second leg. This segmentation eliminates the need for additional complex components, reducing both material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining compatibility with standard lock cylinders
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating bolt combines multiple locking functions into a single component: it directly blocks the second leg through tangential engagement and simultaneously drives the blocking element radially outward for the first leg. This merging of functions reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining adaptability
3Device complexity
If a single blocking element is used to secure the shackle, then the padlock structure is simplified, but the security against unauthorized opening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking security is segmented into two independent blocking actions: one blocking element acts radially on the first leg while the rotating bolt acts tangentially on the second leg. This segmentation creates two separate locking paths that must both be overcome to unauthorizedly open the padlock, significantly enhancing security while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses composite blocking approaches combining two different mechanical action types: radial blocking by the blocking element and tangential blocking by the rotating bolt. This composite approach creates multiple mechanical barriers to unauthorized opening, enhancing security while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through the use of a single blocking element working in conjunction with the rotating bolt
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A padlock comprises a lock body, a shackle that is movably mounted on the lock body and has a first and a second leg, a rotary bolt that is rotatable about an axis of rotation at least between a release position and a locking position, and at least one blocking element. The lock body comprises a first and a second receiving channel for receiving the first and second legs of the shackle, as well as a receiving opening for the interchangeable receipt of a locking cylinder, which has a rotatable locking cam that is or can be coupled to the rotary bolt for actuation purposes. The rotary bolt comprises at least one drive section that is adapted to force the blocking element radially outward with respect to the axis of rotation toward a locking recess in the first leg when the rotary bolt is in the locked position.The padlock according to the invention is characterized in that the rotary bolt further comprises a blocking section which is adapted to engage in an associated locking recess of the second leg in a tangential direction with respect to the axis of rotation when the rotary bolt is in the locking position.