Cylinder Lock Clutch Axial Biasing for Tamper Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional euro-profile lock cylinders can be easily broken into and tampered with, allowing unauthorized access due to their design, where the clutch can be forced to move and the cam components can be removed or pivoted to expose the lock assembly.
Innovation Solution
The lock cylinder incorporates a resiliently biased clutch mechanism that locks axially, with a mechanical locking mechanism rendering it immobile, and an anti-drill component to prevent tampering, along with a weakened area to absorb forced entry attempts, ensuring the cam remains in place and secure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clutch is designed to be axially slidable to selectively connect interior and exterior locking mechanisms, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the clutch can be forced to move and components can be removed or pivoted
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch is designed with dynamic axial mobility to selectively engage either the interior or exterior locking mechanism based on operational needs. This allows the clutch to slide axially within defined limits, enabling flexible connection to the cam from either side while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement rather than fixed positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
A resilient member is pre-installed to bias the clutch toward a neutral or default position, creating preliminary resistance against unauthorized axial movement. This resilient biasing mechanism prevents the clutch from being easily forced into unintended positions or allowing components to be inadvertently removed, thereby counteracting potential tampering before it occurs.
2Ease of operation
If the clutch is biased into a default position by a spring, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen as forced deformation can break components and expose the lock assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and dissipates forced deformation energy before it can transmit to critical components like the cam and locking mechanisms. This preliminary cushioning prevents catastrophic failure by allowing controlled deformation of the resilient member itself, thereby protecting the overall lock assembly from breakage and component exposure during forced entry attempts.
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
This design significantly enhances the security of the lock cylinder by making it more difficult to tamper with and remove, preventing unauthorized access while allowing authorized users to open the closure with a key.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member arranged to bias the clutch towards the third condition
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
A cylinder lock (100) having a first actuator assembly (102) and a second actuator assembly (106) positioned either side of a cam (132), in which the first and second actuator assemblies (102, 106) can selectively actuate the cam (132) by means of a clutch (142, 150) movable between two conditions and in which removal of the first actuator assembly (102) causes the clutch to move into a third, locked condition in which it is constrained. A cylinder lock (100) having a predetermined weakened area on the first actuator side of a cam.