Cylinder Lock Key with Offset Curved Query Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key designs for cylinder locks offer limited variations in query surface positions and depths, making them susceptible to copying and reproduction, and thus, not providing sufficient security.
Innovation Solution
The key features query surfaces arranged offset in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, with cross-sectional curves designed as continuous sine or cosine curves, allowing for variable depth and position, creating a high number of coding variations that are difficult to replicate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If query surfaces are arranged offset only in the transverse direction with discrete positions, then manufacturing is simple, but the number of coding variations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The query surfaces are designed with curved cross-sections (sine or cosine curves) instead of flat or discrete positions. This curvature allows for continuous variation in depth and position, dramatically increasing the number of possible coding variations while maintaining manufacturability through standard milling or embossing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from offsetting query surfaces only in the transverse direction to offsetting them in both the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction. This addition of the longitudinal dimension to the offset arrangement creates a two-dimensional offset system that exponentially increases coding variations.
2Reliability
If query surfaces have variable depth and position, then security against copying is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The query surfaces utilize periodic sine or cosine curves with defined wavelengths and amplitudes. These periodic functions provide mathematically precise and reproducible shapes that can be manufactured with standard tolerances while still achieving high security. The periodic nature ensures consistent intersection points that are robust for scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention varies multiple parameters of the query surfaces including offset distances in both transverse and longitudinal directions, curve amplitudes, wavelengths, and phase shifts. By changing these parameters systematically, the system achieves high security through numerous unique coding combinations without requiring extreme manufacturing precision for each individual parameter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If query surfaces are offset in both longitudinal and transverse directions with curved cross-sections, then coding variations are maximized, but the difficulty of scanning and copying increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved sine or cosine cross-sections create continuously variable depth profiles that are difficult to scan accurately. The curvature means that any deviation in scanning position or angle results in significant measurement errors, making copying extremely difficult while still allowing the lock's scanning element to detect the coded information through the defined intersection points.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3a~3e
AI summary
The invention relates to a key (1) for a cylinder lock, comprising at least one coded side surface (3, 3') running along the longitudinal direction (2) of the key (1), wherein at least one coding (4) for validation in the cylinder lock is provided on the side surface (3, 3'), wherein the coding (4) comprises a first validation surface (5) running in the longitudinal direction (2) of the key (1) and a second validation surface (5') running in the longitudinal direction (2) of the key (1), wherein the validation surfaces (5, 5') are arranged offset to one another in a transverse direction (6, 6') of the key (1), and wherein the validation surfaces (5, 5') are arranged offset to one another in the longitudinal direction (2), and in cross-section they each have the shape of a continuous and preferably periodic curve.