Angled Key Arm Design for Compact Multifunctional Lock Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunctional tools with many functions often become large and unwieldy, making them difficult to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A key design featuring angled key arms and elements with specific geometries, such as U-shaped or triangular configurations, allows for compactness, stability, and ease of use, while being manufactured from sheet metal with minimal production effort, and includes a multi-part key assembly with a joint for improved manageability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a key has multiple key arms arranged in different planes to operate various locking devices, then the key can perform multiple functions, but the key becomes large and unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging key arms in a three-dimensional space rather than a single plane. The key body has key arms extending in different directions and at different angles, utilizing spatial arrangement to pack multiple functional elements into a compact form factor. This allows the key to operate multiple locking devices without becoming excessively large in any single dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the key element is arranged in an angled region of the key arm, then the key can operate triangular and square locks, but the key arm geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The key arm is segmented into distinct functional regions: a straight portion for basic operations and an angled region for specialized lock types. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall key compactness. The angled region is a discrete addition that provides triangular and square lock compatibility without requiring the entire key arm structure to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled region is applied locally to specific key arms rather than throughout the entire key structure. This localized modification provides the necessary geometry for operating triangular and square locks only where needed, while other portions of the key maintain simpler geometries for their respective functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the key is made from bent sheet metal with angled regions, then manufacturing effort is minimized, but the stability of the key element may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the bending process to create angled regions with specific geometries that provide both structural stability and functional compatibility. By carefully controlling the bending angle and radius, the key maintains sufficient rigidity in the angled regions to operate locks reliably while still being manufacturable from sheet metal through bending operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a key (or key assembly) (100, 100', 200), in particular a control cabinet key (or key assembly), with several key elements (9) for opening/closing locking devices known per se and/or for actuating fastening means known per se. The key (100) or keys (100, 100') of the assembly (200) comprises at least one key body (50) and a first key arm (1) arranged on the key body (50), as well as at least one second key arm (2) arranged on the key body (50). The first and second key arms (1, 2) are arranged in the same plane. A key arm angle (a) is formed between the first and second key arms (1, 2). Each key arm (1, 2) has a key element (9) at its end for actuating a locking device or a fastening means.The key element (9) of the first and/or the second key arm (1, 2) is arranged in an angled region (8) of the respective key arm (1, 2). Alternatively or cumulatively, the key element (9) of the first and/or the second key arm (1, 2) comprises at least one angled region (8') or is formed from at least one angled region (8').