Square Computer Lock with Button-Actuated Plate Tumbler Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cylindrical computer locks are too large and inflexible to accommodate the growing trend of thinner notebook computers, failing to meet market demands for a compact and versatile locking solution.
Innovation Solution
A square computer lock design featuring a square housing with a lock core, lock tongue, unlocking button, locking button, and latch, utilizing a torsion spring mechanism and plate tumblers to provide a compact and flexible locking mechanism that does not require rotating the lock core for unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a cylindrical lock design is used, then the locking function is provided, but the lock size is large and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is divided into separate functional modules: a lock core with plate tumblers for key authentication, a lock tongue for engagement, and a button assembly for operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a compact square design that maintains functionality while reducing overall size and improving flexibility for thin notebook computers.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional cylindrical lock is used, then the locking mechanism works, but it requires rotating the lock core for unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the lock core to unlock (traditional cylindrical lock mechanism), this invention inverts the operation by using a button that pushes the lock tongue directly. The lock core remains stationary during unlocking; rather, the button assembly actively pushes the lock tongue to disengage from the lock hole, simplifying the operation and reducing the complexity of the lock core mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking function is extracted from the lock core rotation mechanism and assigned to a separate button assembly. This button pushes the lock tongue independently, separating the key authentication function (lock core) from the unlocking action (button + lock tongue), thereby simplifying the overall mechanism and improving ease of operation.
3Shape
If a compact square design is adopted, then the lock becomes thinner and more flexible, but the structure must be simplified
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components are merged into a compact square housing: the lock core, lock tongue, button assembly, and latch are integrated within a single square frame. The upper and lower lock plates are combined into one lock tongue component, and the button mechanism integrates the unlocking and locking functions in a single assembly, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining functionality within the compact shape.
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 square computer lock offers a thinner, more compact design that is simple and flexible, allowing for easy locking and unlocking without the need to rotate the lock core, providing enhanced usability compared to traditional cylindrical locks.
Implementation Method 1
A rotation space is defined between the upper inclined portion and the lower inclined portion. A torsion spring is provided in the rotation space.
Implementation Method 2
A plate tumbler spring is arranged below each of the plate tumblers.
Implementation Method 3
Each of the positioning posts is sleeved with a latch spring. One end of the latch spring abuts against a periphery of a corresponding one of the positioning holes.
Implementation Method 4
An unlocking spring is arranged between the wedge-shaped plate and a bottom of the square housing.
Implementation Method 5
A locking spring is provided between the front side of the locking button and the square housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A square computer lock includes a square housing, and a lock core, a lock tongue, an unlocking button, a locking button and a latch arranged in the square housing. An insertion hole is formed on the rear side of the square housing. A row of plate tumblers are arranged in a lock core lock hole. A plate tumbler spring is arranged below each plate tumbler. Positioning posts are formed on a lateral surface of the latch. A wedge-shaped plate is formed at a lower end of the unlocking button. An unlocking spring is arranged between the wedge-shaped plate and the bottom of the square housing. The locking button is arranged in the square housing in a front-back movable manner. An upper end of the locking button penetrates in a locking hole in a front-back movable manner.