Waterproof Lock With Pipe And Shield

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional locks are vulnerable to water intrusion and foreign objects, which can lead to damage and unexpected unlocking due to exposure to natural elements and external forces.

Innovation Solution

A lock design incorporating a waterproof pipe around the lock pin, a position limiting component, and a cover shield to prevent water ingress and foreign object entry, while ensuring the lock pin remains securely positioned to prevent unintended unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lock is provided with openings to facilitate locking and unlocking operations, then the ease of operation is improved, but foreign objects can fall into the openings causing the lock to get stuck and affecting reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking and unlocking operationsVSAvoidlock functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A cover shield is introduced as an intermediary component that covers the opening of the lock shell. The cover shield can be moved to expose the opening when needed for operation, and cover it when not in use to prevent foreign objects from entering, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the lock pin is made movable to enable locking and unlocking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the lock may become loose and unexpectedly unlocked under external force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking and unlocking operationsVSAvoidposition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A position limiting component is provided that limits the position of the lock pin in advance. This component prevents the lock pin from moving beyond a certain position, thereby preventing the lock from becoming loose or unexpectedly unlocking under external force while still allowing normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lock is exposed to outdoor use, then the adaptability is improved, but water erosion can damage components requiring isolation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutdoor use capabilityVSAvoidcomponent protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A waterproof pipe with flexible structure is provided that can move together with the lock pin while maintaining water tightness. The waterproof pipe allows the lock to be used outdoors by preventing water erosion from damaging internal components, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3548684B1Lock with waterproof pipe

Publication Date: 2022.03.02 BEIJING QISHENG SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

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AI summary

Locks for resisting water and/or foreign matters are provided. The lock may include a lock tongue configured to secure an object, a lock pin configured to block the lock tongue to move along an axial direction of the lock tongue, a lock shell configured to accommodate at least a portion of the lock tongue or at least a portion of the lock pin, and a waterproof pipe arranged around at least a portion of the lock pin. The lock shell may include a through-hole. At least a portion of the lock pin may be moveable inward or outward the lock shell through the through-hole. The waterproof pipe may include a first connection end and a second connection end. The first connection end of the waterproof pipe may connect to the lock shell. The second connection end of the waterproof pipe may connect to the lock pin.