Programmable Combination Lock with Keyed Override and Nested Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combination locks compromise security when multiple users share the same locker, as they typically use a single combination dial, making it difficult to manage access without compromising security.
Innovation Solution
A programmable combination lock assembly featuring multiple rotatable rings and dial wheels with a keyed lock system, allowing multiple users to share a lock while maintaining security through reprogrammable keys and a compression assembly that secures and releases the rings, enabling secure access with multiple combination codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single combination dial is used in conventional locks, then the device complexity is reduced, but security is compromised when multiple users share the same locker
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into multiple independent dial wheels (first dial wheel, second dial wheel, etc.), each controlling a separate rotatable ring. This segmentation allows multiple combination codes to be established while maintaining a modular structure that doesn't excessively increase complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system is designed to support multiple users and multiple combination codes simultaneously. The keyed lock assembly can selectively unlock the lock, and the compression assembly can compress multiple rings, making the system universal for various access scenarios while maintaining security
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple combination dials are added to enable multiple users to share the lock, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple rotatable rings are stacked vertically on a common central axis, with each ring associated with a dial wheel. The compression assembly compresses these nested rings simultaneously, allowing multiple combination codes to be set and read in a coordinated manner without requiring separate locking mechanisms for each dial
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple dial wheels and rotatable rings are combined into a single integrated locking mechanism. All rings must be simultaneously compressed and aligned for the lock to unlock, merging the functionality of multiple dials into one unified system that maintains security while enabling multiple user access
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 programmable combination lock assembly ensures secure access for multiple users by allowing multiple combination codes and reprogrammable keys, preventing unauthorized access and eliminating the need for replacing the entire lock system when a key is lost, while maintaining maximum security.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned above the base plate... wherein the spring is urging the stack of rotatable rings away from the base plate
Implementation Method 2
a compression assembly for compressing and releasing the first and second rings, the compression assembly positioning the first and second rings
Implementation Method 3
a keyed lock coupled to the ring engagement assembly configured to selectively unlock the combination lock
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable combination lock with keyed lock override is disclosed. The lock employs a stack of rings and dial wheels, with a mechanism for coupling and decoupling the rings and dial wheels. A user can program a custom code by unlocking the combination and rotating the inner and outer dial wheels until the desired code is indicated, and then locking the combination lock to set the code. A keyed lock with a master key couples to the combination lock and can override a combination lock in the locked state. The keyed lock allows multiple keys to lock and unlock the combination lock. In the event that a user loses the master key, the user can use the second key to create a new lock combination to operate the lock, yet render the lost master key inoperable.