For the previous versions, see Ice Padlock 1 and Ice Padlock 2
The construction of Ice Padlock 1 is extremely simple and reliable, but not convenient and far from to be comfortable because of icy cold water splashing around as the ice melts. So, the key points of the new design should be:
During making of the lock I was wearing the following (because I can ;-):
The following was bought in "Praxis" (a DIY shop): (1)-(4): (2) consists of (3) + (4). Diameter 40mm. Parts (3) can be tightly inserted into (1). (5): Internal diameter 40mm (6): Diameter 6mm (M6) (7): Diameter: 30mm (8): Also M6 (9): 1.5m 4mm nylon rope (10): a pair of rubber washers (6mm internally) (11): silicone sealant (12): PVC glue Unfortunately I don't know how things (1)-(6) are called (in any language). All plastic and rubber stuff you can find in a sewage department. All metal parts should be made out of stainless steel. Also you will need:
The assembling is pretty straightforward. I hope the picture will make it easier to understand.
Make two 6mm holes in the 1st cap (4). The distance between the holes should be enough for (6)
Connect (6) and (7) and insert into (4). If (6) is long enough you can use the nuts as on the 1st picture on the left. If (6) is short, do not use nuts on this side of (4), like on the 2nd photo.
Use silicone sealant and rubber washers inside (4). This is to prevent leakage. Do not overtighten the nuts. The rings should move freely.
Drill a 6mm hole in the 2nd cap (4)
Insert the rope into the hole you have drilled in the previous step. Tie a loop on the outer side of (4). You may want to use a steel "socket" (or whatever it's called) for the outer loop (shown on the photo).
Put the rubber tube (5) (just the tube without any metal bands) on the plastic fitting (1). The rubber tube is used as a thermal insulator here. Cut the excessive rubber off.
Glue both (3)'s into (1) with PVC glue. Use sand paper and/or file to scratch the corresponding surfaces first. Here you can find an excellent tutorial on how to weld PVC pipes
When glued (several minutes) assemble the lock. Screw the cap (4) with the rings, insert the rope into the lock, pour water, screw the second cap (4) with the rope and freeze the lock.
This is the result. We have an ice based time-lock with the Special Ring Device on one end (unmovable part) and a run of rope on the other (movable part). No part of the lock is cold to the touch thanks to two layers of thick plastic with a layer of glue in between and one layer of even thicker rubber. I suggest you to warm up the rings with hot water before use. Almost no dripping happens when the lock is "closed" but not frozen. When the ice allows, the rope will slide out of the cap hole and release you.
Now the interesting part. Guess how long it takes 70ml of ice to melt down in that lock? Whopping 4hours!!!! Just like 300-400ml Ice Padlock 1. And that means that the lock can be made even smaller!
All parts were bought in "Praxis":
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