Pivoting Bolt Padlock Mechanism for Corrosion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional padlocks with linearly movable bolts have complex structures, large dimensions, and are prone to corrosion and jamming, making them expensive and inefficient for secure applications like securing vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A padlock design featuring a bolt attached to a pivoted lever that moves between unlocked and locked positions via a curved trajectory, reducing the number of components and susceptibility to corrosion, with a mass distribution that prevents unauthorized opening through hammering attempts, and utilizing a cam disk and electric motor for controlled unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a linearly movable bolt is used in conventional padlocks, then the locking function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and large in dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional linear movement of the bolt into a pivoting rotational movement. The bolt is attached to a pivoted lever that rotates about a pivot axis, transforming the bolt's trajectory from linear to curved. This inversion simplifies the overall structure by reducing the number of guiding sections and holding sections needed, while simultaneously improving reliability by minimizing contact surfaces that could corrode or jam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by allowing the bolt to pivot along a curved trajectory rather than moving linearly. The pivoted lever enables the bolt to rotate between unlocked and locked positions, creating a more flexible and adaptive locking mechanism. This dynamic approach reduces structural complexity by eliminating the need for complex linear guiding sections while maintaining reliable operation.
2Reliability
If multiple holding and guiding sections are added to the lock body for moving parts, then the locking device can selectively lock the padlock, but the lock body structure becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple holding and guiding sections into a single pivoted lever structure. The lever integrates the bolt attachment, pivot mechanism, and engagement features into one unified component. This merging reduces the lock body structure to essential elements only, eliminating redundant sections while preserving the selective locking capability through the lever's controlled pivoting motion.
3Reliability
If the lock body is designed with complex three-dimensional holding and guiding sections, then the locking device can function properly, but the lock body has large dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a pivoting lever mechanism instead of complex three-dimensional guiding sections. This inversion allows the locking device to function with a simplified, more compact lock body structure, reducing overall dimensions while maintaining reliable selective locking capability through the lever's rotational movement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves a stable force transmission, reduces complexity and size, enhances security by preventing unauthorized access, and allows for automatic locking and unlocking mechanisms, resulting in a compact and effective locking system.
Implementation Method 1
The bolt also pivots along a curved trajectory between the unlocked position and the locked position, which is achieved by spacing the bolt from the pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
the pivoting lever including the bolt has a mass distribution with respect to the pivoting axis, which is selected such that an impulse acting on the padlock transversely to the pivoting axis causes at least essentially no pivoting movement of the pivoting lever
Implementation Method 3
The bolt is pretensioned in the direction of the locking position... Due to the prestressing of the bolt in the direction of the locking position, automatic locking is possible when the bracket is closed
Implementation Method 4
the actuating device comprises a cam disk which can be rotated about an axis of rotation and has a control section which runs eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation, the control section pivoting the pivoted lever from the locking position into the unlocking position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a padlock with a lock body and a shackle that is movable relative to the lock body between an open position and a closed position, wherein a bolt is arranged in the lock body which is selectively movable into an unlocked position or a locked position, the bolt locking the shackle to the lock body when the shackle is in the closed position and the bolt is in the locked position. The bolt is attached to a pivot lever that is pivotable about a pivot axis and can be moved between the unlocked position and the locked position by a pivoting movement of the pivot lever.