designing a very complex push-button cylinder tooth lock

[davidbenjamindix]

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.

http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m51 ... rlock1.jpg

David Dix

[mh]

Hi David,

The mechanism you have drawn doesn't quite seem to work.
But maybe have a look at http://acersequencelocks.com/ for some more ideas.

I guess you need a spring driven "return to 0" component.

Cheers
mh

[davidbenjamindix]

that drawing was by no means a final product. the 4 push blocks on the cylinder are only examples. there would be many many more. it know it's just a simple rough drawing, and it's more of just a early stage idea that i want to build. when i get a better idea or more input on that drawing, i'll be able to make a more detailed and accurate drawing. i think a return to 0 spring would be a much better idea than using the reverse button sequense. thanks.

David

[mh]

yes, well, but if you imagine it turning clockwise/right, then you can imagine the tabs moving away from the buttons...

[davidbenjamindix]

mh: thanks for that website recommendation! what a fantastic mechanism. do you have any others?

[mh]

I guess you could also find some inspiration in the "simplex" pushbutton lock mechanism.

Cheers
mh

[davidbenjamindix]

ya, i thought so too. the problem is, i can't find any threads that discuss how the push-button mechanical type of lock works. funny you mentioned the Simplex lock, because that's exactly what i was just trying to find. if i can find a spec/drawing/technical diagram on how the push button locks work, that would be a major help in developing this idea. any thoughts?