Cylinder Lock Key-Change Mechanism with Dynamic Tumbler Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cylinder locks with key-change systems face issues where auxiliary tumblers are permanently accommodated, making key changes cumbersome, and the master key functionality is not effectively utilized, as the system becomes unusable with other change keys once the master key is used.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder lock design where auxiliary tumblers are accommodated into inner cylinder pockets without removal, allowing for easy key changes and maintaining usability of previous change keys by using a set/reset mechanism that enables the master key to lock and unlock the lock regardless of previously set change keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary tumbler is permanently accommodated into the pocket on the inner cylinder to enable key-change, then the key-change function is achieved, but the auxiliary tumbler cannot be returned to its previous situation and the system becomes unusable with other change keys
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the accommodation of auxiliary tumblers dynamic rather than permanent. The inner cylinder is designed to rotate to different positions: when rotated to the first position, accommodation pockets receive auxiliary tumblers for key-change; when rotated to the second position, the pockets are positioned to allow auxiliary tumblers to be returned to their original locations between upper and lower tumblers, restoring the lock to its initial state and enabling future key-changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary tumbler is moved away to outside and returned from the outside by use of an exclusively usable jig, then the auxiliary tumbler can be reset, but the operation is too troublesome and requires fine working for amateur users
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the reset functionality from external manipulation and integrates it into the lock's internal mechanism. Instead of requiring users to remove auxiliary tumblers externally with specialized jigs, the system provides internal accommodation pockets within the inner cylinder that automatically receive and hold auxiliary tumblers during rotation, eliminating the need for external handling and specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner cylinder serves as an intermediary mechanism between the auxiliary tumblers and the external environment. It provides intermediate accommodation pockets that temporarily hold auxiliary tumblers during the key-change process, mediating the transition without requiring direct external manipulation of the small auxiliary tumblers by users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the master key is used to lock and unlock the cylinder lock, then the master key function is enabled, but the cylinder lock becomes unusable with previously set change keys
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements periodic action through the rotational cycles of the inner cylinder. The system alternates between states: when the inner cylinder is at the first rotational position, accommodation pockets are engaged to enable key-change with change keys; when rotated to the second position, the system restores to its initial state allowing both master key and change key operation. This periodic rotation enables the master key function while preserving future change key usability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cylinder lock includes elongated elliptical-shaped accommodation holes for accommodating auxiliary tumblers formed on an inner cylinder, and a set/reset member which is capable of freely sliding in the inner cylinder and which is pushed by two control members each having a respective stroke length, so that the auxiliary tumblers are interposed between upper tumblers and lower tumbler and moved aside from between the upper and lower tumblers, thereby enabling changing of keys for locking and unlocking the cylinder lock. Minutely, for the setting operation, the set/reset member is pushed into by a short stroke to cause the auxiliary tumblers to be accommodated into the accommodation holes and moved along the accommodation holes and held there. For the reset operation, the set/reset member is pushed into by along stroke to move the auxiliary tumblers to the side of the upper tumbler bores of the outer cylinder.