How Can You Design a Lock That Unlocks When Flipped Upside Down?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around designing a lock mechanism that unlocks when flipped upside down, specifically for a bucket. Participants explore various mechanical concepts and potential designs, including spring-loaded mechanisms and the use of magnetics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to create a lock that unlocks when the bucket is flipped upside down, seeking assistance with the design.
  • Another participant questions the effectiveness of such a lock and inquires if it is for a school assignment.
  • The original poster confirms it is for a class project and provides context about the bucket's lid needing to stay locked until flipped.
  • A suggestion is made to consider a variation of the key-tumbler lock design that could potentially allow the pins to clear when turned upside down.
  • The original poster shares initial sketches and expresses uncertainty about their viability while continuing to work on the design.
  • Discussion includes the idea that the mechanism may function more as a latch rather than a traditional lock, with considerations for complexity and potential extra credit for a more intricate design.
  • One participant proposes incorporating magnetics and ball bearings to facilitate the latch mechanism's release when inverted.
  • Another participant notes that while springs and magnetics are indifferent to orientation, weighted assemblies are affected by being upside down.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the design approach, with multiple ideas and suggestions being explored without agreement on a specific solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the mechanical principles involved, and there are uncertainties regarding the effectiveness and feasibility of proposed designs.

supagain
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TL;DR Summary: Want a lock that unlocks when flipped upside down

As the TL;DR summary says, I am trying to come up with a design for a lock that unlocks when it is flipped upside down. I've looked into spring loaded locks and different lever devices but no luck. Hoping someone can assist, thank you.
 
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Welcome to PF.

That doesn't sound like a very effective lock, IMO. Is this for a schoolwork assignment?
 
Hi thank you and yes for a class...it is for a bucket. I'd like the top of the bucket to stay locked unless it is flipped upside down.
 
Okay, let me move your thread to the schoolwork forums then. Can you show us some of your sketches and work on this so far? Use the "Attach files" link below the Edit window to attach some of your design ideas. Thanks.
 
BTW, are you familiar with the key-tumbler lock design? Normally the pins are spring loaded to resist the key lands, but can you envision a variation on that theme where if you turned the padlock upside-down that would clear the pin obstructions? :wink:
 
I will research key-tumbler locks. Attached are my first couple drawings... they probably aren't close I will continue trying.



IMG_7796.jpg
 
The idea is when the bucket is turned upside down the lock unlocks an the lid opens freely
 
Fun project. :smile:

So in the simplest terms, this isn't really a lock, it's more of a latch, right? Would you get extra credit for a more complicated "real" lock that needed to be turned upside-down to be unlocked? (like my pin-tumbler-key suggestion above)
 
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Correct it would probably be more of a latch. Possibly a spring loaded latch? Started thinking about incorporating magnetics and ball bearings to maybe have the ball bearing movement release the latch.
 
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Springs and magnetics don't care if they are upside-down. Weighted assemblies do care.

(But springs and magnetics hate it when we anthropomorphize them.) :wink:
 
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