Combination Strap Lock Shear-Line Mechanism Against Tactile Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination dial locks are vulnerable to unauthorized access due to sound and tactile cues when the correct digit is entered, compromising security and user confidence.
Innovation Solution
A combination lock mechanism featuring pins that straddle a shear line, with decoy pins masking the sound and feel of engagement, and a blocking device preventing access to fixing members, ensuring secure and tamper-proof operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard combination lock mechanism is used, then the lock is easy to operate, but it is vulnerable to unauthorized access through sound and tactile cues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the blocking device and shear line positioning system) that mediates between the user's dialing action and the pin engagement. The blocking device prevents direct observation or tampering with the fixing members, while the shear line mechanism ensures that pins only engage at the correct combination position, masking the tactile and acoustic cues that would otherwise reveal the correct digits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy or simulation of the engagement process through the shear line mechanism. The pins appear to engage with the combination dials, but actually engage with the shear line at a specific position. This copying mechanism masks the true engagement point, preventing unauthorized users from detecting the correct combination through sound or tactile feedback.
2Reliability
If fixing members are accessible for combination changes, then the lock is easy to reconfigure, but it is vulnerable to tampering and unauthorized combination changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the blocking device to cover the fixing members before any tampering attempt occurs. The blocking device is pre-configured to obstruct access to the fixing members, requiring the correct combination to be entered first to move the blocking device and enable combination changes. This ensures that only authorized users can reconfigure the combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device performs preliminary anti-action by preventing access to the fixing members before any unauthorized tampering can occur. The device is positioned to block the fixing members in the normal state, and only moves to allow access when the correct combination is entered, thereby preemptively protecting against unauthorized combination changes.
3Reliability
If pins directly engage with combination dials, then the locking mechanism is simple, but it allows detection of correct digits through sound and feel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pin engagement process into two distinct stages: first, the pins move with the combination dials during dialing; second, the pins engage with the shear line at the correct position. This segmentation separates the dialing operation from the locking action, masking the tactile and acoustic cues that would otherwise reveal the correct combination digits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the pin engagement by adding the shear line mechanism. Instead of pins engaging directly with the combination dials in a single plane, the pins now engage with the shear line at a different position and orientation. This dimensional change masks the engagement point, preventing detection through sound or tactile feedback while maintaining the locking function.
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
Enhances security by making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to tamper with or open the lock without the correct combination, while maintaining user convenience and preventing mechanical interference.
Implementation Method 1
a latch member biased in a first direction by a first biasing member
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of first pins biased in a second direction transverse to the first direction by respective second biasing members
Implementation Method 3
a blocking device biased in a third direction by a third biasing member
Implementation Method 4
at least one second pin is biased by a fourth biasing member in a fourth direction towards said combination dial
Data Source
AI summary
A combination locking mechanism, particularly a strap lock that is secured via a rotary combination dial mechanism, is disclosed. The lock mechanism includes a clasp and a clasp receiver, and when locked, the clasp engages the clasp receiver creating a loop. The clasp receiver includes two sections, a body, and a latch member, both contained within a housing and creates a shear line between them. When the combination lock is in a locked condition at least two pins straddle the shear line and when in an unlocked condition the pins do not straddle the shear line. Contained within the body is the combination dial that includes a digit wheel and a pin receiver. After the user rotates the digit wheel to set a code for the unlocked condition, any other digit combination will put the lock in a locked condition.