Resettable Combination Lock Visual Mode Indicator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination lock mechanisms often fail to provide clear feedback to users regarding their operational mode, making it difficult to determine whether the lock is in normal mode or reset mode, which can lead to user frustration and reduced security.
Innovation Solution
A resettable combination lock mechanism that includes a visual indicator exposed when the lock is in reset mode, along with detent features providing tactile and/or audible feedback, allowing users to easily distinguish between normal and reset modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If no visual indicator is provided, then the lock mechanism structure remains simple, but users cannot determine whether the lock is in normal mode or reset mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded visual indicators (such as colored rings or markings on the dial) that change appearance or position to indicate different operational modes. For example, a colored indicator may be visible when the lock is in reset mode and hidden when in normal mode, providing clear mode status information without adding complex electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide users with immediate visual confirmation of the lock's operational state. This includes visual indicators that activate or change position based on the current mode, allowing users to understand the lock status without guessing or trial-and-error operation.
2Loss of information
If no tactile feedback is provided, then the mechanism has fewer components, but users cannot sense when mode switching occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates detent features that produce tactile vibrations or clicking sensations when the lock transitions between modes. As the dial rotates and passes through detent positions, users feel distinct mechanical feedback that confirms mode changes, providing sensory information without requiring electronic displays or additional complex systems.
3Loss of information
If the visual indicator is always visible, then users always have mode information, but the indicator may interfere with the normal locking function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic visual indicators that automatically adjust their visibility or position based on the operational mode. For instance, the visual indicator may be positioned such that it is clearly visible during reset operations but does not interfere with the dial's rotational path or locking mechanism during normal locking operations, ensuring both information provision and functional reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A resettable combination lock mechanism includes a plurality of outer lock dials and a plurality of inner lock dials. The rotation of a reset feature changes the relative axial position between the outer lock dials and the inner lock dials, allowing the combination of the lock mechanism to be reset. In one aspect, the outer lock dials are axially displaced upon rotation of the reset feature, exposing a visual indicator that is configured to indicate whether the lock is in a combination reset mode or is in a normal mode. The reset mode allows the combination to be changed. The normal mode allows the lock mechanism to be locked or unlocked to secure or release a desired item. In another aspect, the rotation of the reset feature rotates a visual indicator into alignment with a window to indicate that the lock is the reset mode or the normal mode.