Automatic Adjusting Barrel Lock Key for Varying Stroke Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barrel locks with varying stroke lengths require distinct unlocking actions, leading to potential disengagement of the key from the lock if the stroke length exceeds the necessary movement, resulting in inconsistent and incomplete unlocking.
Innovation Solution
An automatic adjusting barrel lock key that includes an inner spring, a main spring, and a nose spring, allowing it to automatically adjust the effective stroke length for different barrel locks, ensuring consistent unlocking regardless of the required stroke length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the barrel lock key lever is moved beyond the necessary stroke length to unlock the barrel lock, then the unlocking action is completed, but the key slips or is pulled out of engagement with the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel lock key incorporates an automatic stroke length adjustment mechanism that self-regulates the lever movement. The key automatically detects when the unlocking stroke is complete and prevents further movement that would cause disengagement, eliminating the need for the operator to consciously control the exact stroke length.
Solution Approach 2:
The key features a dynamic stroke length adjustment mechanism that adapts to different barrel lock requirements. The lever stroke length is not fixed but can automatically adjust based on the specific lock's requirements, allowing the system to optimize performance for each unlocking operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the barrel lock key is designed to work with barrel locks of varying stroke lengths, then versatility is improved, but the key design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel lock key is designed with a universal stroke length adjustment mechanism that enables a single key design to work with multiple barrel lock types having different stroke length requirements. The automatic adjustment feature provides multi-functionality, allowing the key to adapt to various locks without requiring different key designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The key incorporates mechanisms that automatically change operational parameters (stroke length, engagement force) based on the specific barrel lock being operated. This parameter adaptation allows the same physical key to effectively become different keys for different lock types.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The barrel lock key provides a consistent and complete unlocking action for a variety of barrel locks with different stroke length requirements, preventing disengagement and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
An automatic adjusting barrel lock key that includes an inner spring, a main spring, and a nose spring, allowing it to automatically adjust the effective stroke length for different barrel locks
Data Source
AI summary
A barrel lock key is configured to unlock a variety of barrel locks requiring various stroke lengths of a barrel lock key to be unlocked. The barrel lock key can be actuated between a neutral position, an intermediate position, and an overthrow position. In the neutral position, there are no outside forces acting on the barrel lock key. In an intermediate position, the barrel lock key can be configured to place a barrel lock in an unlocked orientation. In the overthrow position, the barrel lock key is fully actuated and is configured to maintain a barrel lock in an unlocked orientation without excessive forces that act to disengage the barrel lock key from the barrel lock.