Cylinder Lock Anti-Snapping Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cylinder locks are ineffective in preventing unauthorized access when the cylinder is snapped, as existing securing means fail to engage properly, allowing manual actuation of the cam and unlocking of the door.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder lock design featuring a rotatable lock barrel with a cam, a drive assembly including a spool and spring, and a securing pin that displaces between positions to prevent cam movement when a key is not present, ensuring the cam remains locked regardless of the snapping mechanism, with a top hat bush and drive dog assembly for improved actuation and a shutter to secure the aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sacrificial end portion is provided at the exterior end of the lock to prevent manual actuation of the cam, then the lock provides some protection against unauthorized access, but burglars can still circumvent these means and manually actuate the cam to unlock the door
Solution Approach 1:
The securing means (pin and spring mechanism) is pre-positioned to automatically engage and block the cam's movement path before any unauthorized actuation can occur. When the cylinder is intact, the pin is held in a position that prevents the cam from being manually actuated by lock-picking tools or screwdrivers, providing preliminary protection against the harmful action of manual cam actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing means is designed to be automatically activated when the cylinder is snapped. The pin is pre-positioned and spring-loaded so that upon snapping, it automatically moves into the blocking position without requiring any additional action from the user, providing immediate preliminary protection against unauthorized access through the snapped cylinder.
2Reliability
If a securing means comprising a pin or locking pin is incorporated to block cam movement when the cylinder is snapped, then the lock provides enhanced security, but these mechanisms are ineffective if the cylinder is snapped in a certain way, causing the securing means to remain inactive
Solution Approach 1:
The securing means employs a dynamic spring-loaded pin mechanism that can adapt its position based on the state of the cylinder. The spring allows the pin to move between a retracted position (when the cylinder is intact) and a blocking position (when the cylinder is snapped), providing adaptability to different snapping scenarios while maintaining reliable security activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism utilizes parameter changes in the cylinder's structural integrity to trigger the securing means. When the cylinder is snapped, the physical parameters (structural continuity, dimensional stability) change, which automatically activates the spring-loaded pin to move into the blocking position, ensuring effectiveness against various snapping methods without requiring complex sensing mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the securing means is activated only when the cylinder is snapped, then the lock maintains normal operation, but the securing means remains inactive if the cylinder is not snapped in the expected manner, allowing unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The securing means is designed as a self-service mechanism that automatically detects and responds to cylinder snapping without requiring external activation or user intervention. The spring-loaded pin self-activates when the cylinder's structural integrity is compromised, ensuring reliable security activation while maintaining normal lock operation when the cylinder is intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing means is extracted as a separate, independent mechanism from the main lock operation system. The pin and spring assembly functions independently, automatically engaging or disengaging based on the cylinder's state, allowing normal lock operation to proceed uninterrupted while providing reliable security activation when needed.
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 design effectively prevents unauthorized access by ensuring the cam cannot be manually actuated without a key, even if the cylinder is snapped, enhancing security and structural integrity by simplifying the configuration and minimizing risks of unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
a securing means comprising a spring and a pin which is displaceable, by said drive assembly, between a first position in which the pin is held down against the spring by the spool
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A cylinder lock comprises a cam for actuating the bolting means of a door; the cylinder lock further comprising two ends, a first end positioned on a first side of the cam and a second end position on a second side of the cam, substantially opposite said first end; wherein at least said first end comprises a keyhole which, when a key is inserted, actuates the cam to lock or unlock the bolting means of the door; wherein the lock further comprises a drive assembly for displacing said cam when a key is inserted, and a securing means which is displaceable, by said drive assembly, between a first position in which the securing means engages with the cam to prevent its movement, and a second position wherein the securing means disengages the cam to allow movement of the cam; whereby, in use, when a key is not present in the lock, the securing means is in the first position to prevent movement of the cam and thus the bolting means of the door.