Paul was in need of a project to build...and not just any project! Paul is a
master magician, juggler and puzzle-solver ( he is the only student to beat the "Austrian
Knot" ). He is also a LEGO® engineering genius and has created incredible robots, buildings
and art...so a mere "build a robot arm" would not do. He needed something never before accomplished with LEGO® elements.
In times like these I turn to The Way Things Work...and viola, there it was...an explanation of how a lock works. Since Paul has been studying magic professionally for several years, lock-making and lock-picking were of considerable importance to him. The challenge formed: "Build a working LEGO® lock with tumblers and a key!"
Students have built locks in the past...usually integrating electronics and solenoids. When a button was pressed or a beam of light was broken, a signal was sent to the computer and a signal returned activating a motor which opened the lock.
First, Paul examined Macalauy's explanation thoroughly and then turned his attention to several locks I have here at the school. Then he started creating!
The lock is built in two halves, which are held together by a series of piston rod elements. The halves do not naturally "stick" to each other because the upper surface of the lower half is covered with flat plates. The piston rods have been designed in such a way that all must be disengaged to separate the two halves. The rods are also cleverly staggered so that one cannot slip in any old stick into the keyhole...one must use a specific key to activated the piston rod tumblers.
The key itself was made out of LEGO® axles, bushings and piston rods...and took on the appearance of an old skeleton key!
The first ever "LEGO® Lock" is an amazing invention built with considerable ingenuity and imagination! Let's see you guys try this at home!
I have recieved many requests for better pictures of locks. I asked one of my students to build a better tumbler lock device
so that I could document how one is built for folk. Please check out the following pictures:
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