This preprint introduces the Continuity-Lock Principle, a minimal structural invariant for identity continuity in systems evolving under recursive transformation. The principle formalizes continuity as recoverable preservation under bounded transformation, characterized by bounded local change, confinement within an independently specified admissible basin, and finite-horizon re-lock after perturbation. A minimal formal setup, observable witnesses, and falsifiability criteria are provided. The paper is presented as a conceptual-methodological contribution and does not claim empirical validation or superiority over existing dynamical, resilience, or recovery-based models without further comparative testing. A companion applied protocol in dementia care is being prepared separately.
Christopher Grace (Sun,) studied this question.