Lock puzzle
A puzzle lock or puzzle padlock is a type of mechanical puzzle. It consists of a lock with unusual or hidden mechanics. Puzzle locks are reconfigurable mechanisms where the topological structure changes during the operation.[1] Such locks are sometimes called trick locks, because there is a trick to opening them which needs to be found. A key is usually needed and it is sometimes a part of the trick mechanism but there exist trick locks with no keys as well.
Pzzle locks with exposed keyholes were widely used in ancient China and can be very tricky to open.[1]
There are three main types in China:[1]
- Locks with extra obstacle
- Locks with indirect insertion
- Multi-stage locks.
In Europe, many small puzzle padlocks had front plate with a face or mask. The padlocks were designed to secure small bags or pouches and their distribution extended across Europe with the most around the Danubian provinces and Aquileia.[2]
In the 1850s in the UK, "puzzle lock" was synonymous with "letter lock" and used to denote a lettered combination lock.[3]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Hsiao, Kuo-Hung. "On the structural analysis of open-keyhole puzzle locks in ancient china".
- ↑ Slocum, Jerry. Romano-Celtic Mask Puzzle Padlocks: A Study in their Design, Technology and Security. Search this book on
- ↑ Minutes of Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers. 1854. Search this book on
| Topics |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Components and hardware | ||
| Key types | ||
| Mechanical locks | ||
| Electronic locks | ||
| Other lock types | ||
| Lock picking | ||
| Related | ||
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