Cylinder Lock Dual Sidebar Mechanism for Pin Binding and Alignment Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cylinder locks with sidebar mechanisms lack a dual-piece sidebar that can sequentially bind and test tumblers effectively, leading to inefficiencies in locking and unlocking processes.

Innovation Solution

A cylinder lock design featuring two sidebars, one biased outwardly to bind code pins and another inwardly to test their alignment, with beveled edges and slots that allow partial rotation before locking, preventing incorrect key insertion and enhancing security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single sidebar mechanism is used in cylinder locks, then the structure is simple, but the locking and unlocking process is less secure and efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidsidebar structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single sidebar is divided into two separate sidebars: a first sidebar with a beveled outer edge for initial engagement and binding, and a second sidebar with a squared outer edge for testing and final locking. This segmentation allows each sidebar to perform a specific function in sequence, improving security while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first sidebar performs a preliminary binding action on the code pins during initial rotation, preventing them from moving prematurely. This preliminary action ensures that the code pins are properly positioned before the second sidebar tests their alignment, enhancing the overall reliability of the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If code pins are allowed to move freely during plug rotation, then the unlocking process is faster, but incorrect keys can bypass the locking mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlocking speedVSAvoidkey verification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The unlocking process is divided into two sequential phases: first, the binding phase where the first sidebar restrains code pin movement; second, the testing phase where the second sidebar verifies proper alignment. This segmentation ensures both security and efficiency in the unlocking process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the plug can rotate freely without restriction, then operation is smoother, but the lock cannot prevent unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug rotationVSAvoidunauthorized access prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation control is segmented into two stages: partial rotation is permitted for proper key insertion and code pin alignment, but full rotation is blocked unless the code pins are correctly positioned. This is achieved through the coordinated action of the two sidebars with different edge geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first sidebar performs a preliminary binding action during initial rotation, allowing the plug to rotate partially for proper positioning. The second sidebar then tests the alignment and permits full rotation only if the correct key is inserted, thus preventing unauthorized access while maintaining smooth operation for legitimate users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 dual-sidebar mechanism effectively binds code pins during initial rotation and tests their alignment, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring secure locking and unlocking operations.

Implementation Method 1

the first sidebar is forced inwardly by the rotation of the plug acting on an exterior sloping surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the second sidebar is forced inwardly by the continued rotation of the plug acting on an interior sloping surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

both the first sidebar and the second sidebar are spring-biased outwardly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic Force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9482031B2Cylinder lock including multiple cooperating sidebars for controlling the lock

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 ASSA ABLOY HIGH SECURITY GROUP INC

AI summary

A cylinder lock includes a side bar assembly comprising a binding bar and a testing bar and code pins, each comprising a key projection, a code hole, and binding features. Partial rotation of the cylinder causes the binding bar to engage the binding features of the code pins to prevent radial movement of the pins. If the code holes of the code pins are aligned with code points of the testing bar, the testing bar is able to move inwardly with the binding bar and out of the slot so as to permit the cylinder to rotate within the bore. If one or more code holes is not aligned with a code point of the testing bar, the code point will contact the body of the code pin and thereby be prevented from moving radially inwardly out of a locking slot, thus blocking rotation of the cylinder.