Pushbutton Combination Lock with Rotatable Side-Selective Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pushbutton combination locks for gates require entering a code on both sides to open, which is inconvenient and costly due to the need for a second locking mechanism, and do not allow for different complexity levels of combinations on each side.
Innovation Solution
A pushbutton combination lock with a frame, lock bolt mechanism, and independent lock bolt actuating mechanisms that allow the locking mechanism to be selectively mounted and operated from either side, using reversible operating means and a rotatable locking mechanism to enable secure and easy access from one side without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pushbutton combination lock is designed with pushbuttons on both sides to allow code entry from either side, then access convenience is improved, but the lock requires a second locking mechanism which increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The single locking mechanism is designed to serve both sides of the gate by being selectively positionable. The locking mechanism can be mounted on either the first side or the second side of the frame, allowing one mechanism to fulfill the function of what would traditionally require two separate mechanisms. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by maintaining access convenience from both sides while eliminating the need for a second locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic repositionability through selective mounting positions. The mechanism can be configured to operate from different sides depending on installation requirements, with the operating means (pushbuttons or large button) positioned accordingly. This dynamic adaptability allows the same mechanism to provide convenient access from either side without requiring duplicate mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pushbuttons are provided on both sides of the lock for code entry, then operational flexibility is improved, but the system requires complex interlocking mechanisms which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A single pushbutton combination locking mechanism is designed to handle code verification from either side of the gate. The mechanism includes a single set of tumbler members and a single check slide that can be actuated by pushbuttons positioned on either side. This universal design provides operational flexibility for different access scenarios while avoiding the complexity of duplicate interlocking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate locking mechanisms into one unified mechanism. The first and second lock bolt actuating mechanisms both control the same single locking mechanism, which contains shared components (tumbler members, check slide). This consolidation maintains the ability to enter codes from both sides while eliminating the need for complex separate interlocking systems.
3Ease of operation
If a large pushbutton replaces the keyboard on one side to enable easy unlocking, then ease of operation is improved, but the lock still requires unlocking before opening which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The large pushbutton provides an alternative to the full keyboard for situations where rapid access is needed. Instead of requiring code entry through multiple pushbuttons, the large button offers a simplified interface that can be actuated more quickly. This partial action approach (using only one button instead of a sequence) maintains ease of operation while improving access speed for authorized users who need quick entry.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different code complexities are allowed on each side of the lock, then adaptability is improved, but the system requires independent locking mechanisms which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The single pushbutton combination locking mechanism is designed to accommodate different code configurations on either side. The mechanism can be configured to require specific pushbutton sequences from the first side or from the second side, allowing different code complexities to be implemented with the same physical mechanism. This universality enables adaptability for different access needs while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The pushbutton combination lock has a lock bolt mechanism with a lock bolt movably mounted on a frame between a locking position and an unlocking position. The lock bolt mechanism further has two lock bolt actuating mechanisms arranged to move the lock bolt between the locking position and the unlocking position. The lock has a pushbutton combination locking mechanism for locking the first lock bolt actuating mechanism to prevent the lock bolt from being moved by the first lock bolt actuating mechanism to the unlocking position while the second lock bolt actuating mechanism is independent from the pushbutton combination locking mechanism. The pushbutton combination locking mechanism is further rotatably or slidably mounted to the frame such that the user can choose the side for locking and the side for free operation.