Stationary Code Finder Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination locks with movable code finding members are prone to damage and require complex mechanisms for code resetting, which can be inefficient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A lock design where the code finding members are stationary relative to the body, with a secondary dial system that moves axially via a spindle, allowing for code identification and resetting through a cylinder lock override mechanism, simplifying the code finding process and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If code finding members are made movable to engage with dials, then code identification capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased susceptibility to damage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the code finding members movable to engage with the dials, the patent inverts the approach by making the dials movable relative to the stationary code finding members. This inversion resolves the contradiction by eliminating the movement of fragile code finding members while preserving the code identification capability through the movement of more robust dial components.
2Reliability
If code finding members are made stationary relative to the lock body, then reliability is improved by reducing damage risk, but device complexity increases due to the override mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the code finding function with the override mechanism by integrating the code finding members into the override mechanism structure. This combination allows the stationary code finding members to serve dual purposes: identifying codes during normal operation and facilitating code resetting during override operation, thereby managing complexity through functional integration.
3Ease of operation
If a movable second part of dial is introduced to engage with stationary code finding members, then ease of operation is improved for code resetting, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each dial into a first part (outer casing with indicia) and a second part (inner component with engagement features). This segmentation allows the second part to move axially relative to the first part, enabling code resetting functionality while keeping the overall dial structure manageable and the movement mechanism simple.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A lock including a body which houses a combination lock, which is releasable by the selection of a set code, the code being selectable by the movement of one or more dials, the or each dial including a first part which is manipulable by a user, wherein the lock includes a code finding device to enable the set code to be identified, the code finding device including a code finding member associated with the or each dial, the or each code finding member being engageable with a second part of the respective dial, to identify a position of the dial which corresponds with a digit of the set code, wherein the second part of each dial is moveable relative to the first part of the respective dial and relative to the respective code finding member between a disengaged position and an engaged position, and wherein the or each code finding member is fixed substantially stationary relative to the body.