homemade cylinder/actuator push-button pin/tooth/spring mechanic lock

davidbenjamindix

im thinking that there is an older type cylindrical lock/mechanism that relates to this design, but im not sure. i am trying to design and build a homemade cylinder-type puzzle lock. im willing to accept any comments, both negative and positive. the lock is a cylindrical shaft, with a bolt-type actuator mechanism in the center. when the cylinder rotates to the right, the center ejects. when turned to the left, it retracts back into the shaft. what i’m trying to do is figure out how to use a puzzle of push-button mechanisms (on springs) that have to be pushed in a certain order to get the cylinder to spin one full cycle. (see photo) if push button A, B, or C are pushed, the cylinder rotates right, if pushbutton D is pushed (or a button pushed in the incorrect order), the cylinder spins the opposite way, restarting the lock (puzzle). the puzzle part is im planning on creating a crypto-type alphabet. you have to figure out the symbols, and what letters represent those symbols. there will be a given key, where you figure out what order the symbols have to be pressed (represented on the push buttons). by pushing the symbols, in the correct order, the spaced blocks, or pins on the buttons push the pins on the cylinder, rotating it one full cycle. after the cycle, a spring loaded door or drawer will open. to relock the cylinder, the buttons should be pressed in retrograde (opposite order from backwords to forwards). what my biggest problem is, i would like some type of rotating click, or stop, so the wheel doesn’t spin freely. each time a button is pushed, the cylinder rotates one “click”, or space. please, give me suggestions on any mechanism that might closely relate to my idea. or, if you have any other suggestions or ideas related to this, feel free to post. very much appreciated! thanks for your time.
David Dix
i do have to include that this is just an early stage drawing. it is nothing more than an idea. the 4 ‘blocks’ on the cylinder are nothing more than an example/idea. there would be many many more than 4. and they don’t have to be blocks either. they could be triangular holes with teeth that fit into them. this early on, im accepting any suggestions.

matty

Hi,
That’s cool! Maybe that is close to how the push button locks on the employee only type doors have on them?

I have been thinking of a maze type lock for a heavy duty shop door, it could have any number of double ratcheting bolts, traveling through the maze, and the gates could be set up in a number of ways, to where it may seem you are locking it, rather than unlocking it?

The double ratcheting system is to insure that it can be reset to the beginning or locked, no matter what area the bolts are in.

I have been thinking of using three quickset dead bolts, (or the cheapest one), if I can fabricate multiple bolts for the maze, you could just use a knob, then use a degree wheel and write the combo down in an encrypted way? (or make it easy enough to memorize)

(the “zip nut” is what made me think of this, I think it came out in the 80’s)

here’s a quick drawing, (mis-spelled view)

Matt.

davidbenjamindix

it’s hard for me to imagine the description to the drawing, without a three dimensional drawing. it sounds very interesting, but i just can’t imagine it. by double ratchet bolts, are you speaking of double threads on a bolt?

matty

Hi,
The main reason for me thinking of this style is that you could use larger parts that would be easier to fabricate, so it’s basically the same idea of just about any combo lock, except the pieces being larger.

My first idea utilizes a “fixed” bolt, that travels through the trough of the maze. After posting my idea of the dual ratcheting bolt, I see now that might make it easier to by-pass the gates, so a third linkage could be used to where the position of the bolt is required to unlock the “main” bolting.

Drawing shows very simple idea…(I haven’t had much time to draw, "in 3-D…)

Take care,
Matt.