Electronic Combination Lock with Rotating Digit Wheel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional combination locks for electronic devices face issues such as users forgetting passwords and compatibility problems due to varying lock hole designs, making it difficult to operate the lock effectively.

Innovation Solution

A combination lock design incorporating both digit and key lock cores, with a control unit, driving block, switching unit, and engaging units that allow for relative movement between hemi-spherical portions and the main body, enabling synchronous rotation and easy unlocking via key or code entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a combination lock is used to eliminate the need for keys, then convenience is improved, but users may forget the password making unlocking difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of locking without keyVSAvoidunlocking reliability when password is forgotten

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both key lock core and combination lock core into a single locking device. The key lock core provides a traditional key-based unlocking mechanism, while the combination lock core offers password-based operation. Both systems share common components such as the locking bolt and housing, allowing users to choose either method for unlocking, thereby ensuring reliability even if one method is forgotten or lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device serves multiple functions by integrating two different locking mechanisms. It can function as a traditional key lock when the key is available, or as a combination lock when the password is remembered. The device universally accommodates both operating methods within a single unit, providing flexibility and backup options for users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lock is designed to fit different electronic devices with varying lock hole designs, then adaptability is improved, but the wheel orientation becomes inconsistent making operation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different lock hole designsVSAvoidwheel orientation consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a rotating mechanism that allows the main body of the lock to rotate relative to the housing. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the digit wheel to be oriented in different directions depending on the lock hole orientation of the electronic device being secured. The rotating feature ensures that the wheel always presents the correct orientation for operation, regardless of how the lock is positioned on the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is divided into separable components including the housing, main body, and rotating mechanism. This segmentation allows the main body to independently rotate within the housing, enabling adaptive orientation adjustment. The modular structure facilitates flexible positioning while maintaining consistent operational interface for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11933077B2Combination lock for electronic devices

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 INGAMAR

AI summary

A combination lock for electronic devices may include a main body, a digit lock core, a key lock core, a control unit, a driving block, a switching unit, and two engaging units. The combination lock can be locked/unlocked through the digit lock core and the key lock core, and also when the combination lock is locked on the electronic device, the main body can be axially rotated to enable a digit wheel of the digit lock core to be faced to the designated direction.