Cylinder Lock Illumination for Magnet Key Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing cylinder lock devices are inconvenient to operate in the dark since the peripheral edge of the second opening, which faces the magnet lock's fitting recess, is not illuminated, making it difficult to manually unlock the magnet lock and insert the mechanical key.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a dual illumination system with a single light guide member that illuminates the peripheral edges of both the first opening for mechanical key insertion and the second opening for the magnet lock, allowing remote switching of the light sources to facilitate easier operation in dark environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single light guide member is used to illuminate both openings, then the number of components is reduced, but the illumination intensity at each opening may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidillumination intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The single light guide member is divided into two separate light guide portions (first light guide portion and second light guide portion), each responsible for illuminating a specific opening. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific illumination task while maintaining the overall benefit of using a single integrated light source structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the light source is activated continuously, then the openings are always illuminated for operation, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operation in darkVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light source operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when needed for key insertion operations. The control unit receives signals from the operation signal receiving portion to trigger illumination, ensuring energy is consumed only during actual use rather than continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a control unit that receives operational signals and activates the light source accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the illumination is provided precisely when operation is required, optimizing the balance between ease of operation and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 illumination system enhances the ease of unlocking the magnet lock and inserting the mechanical key by lighting both openings, reducing component count and enabling smooth operation with remote light control.

Implementation Method 1

a single light guide member that guides light from the light sources which is formed from a transparent synthetic resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight guidance: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP3103942B1Cylinder lock device
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 HONDA LOCK MFG CO LTD
  • EP3103942B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3103942B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3103942B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cylinder lock is provided in which a casing is connectedly provided on a cylinder body of the cylinder lock while having a cover plate on an end part on a side opposite to the cylinder body, a shutter plate is housed in the casing so as to be capable of opening and closing a first opening for mechanical key insertion provided in the cover plate, and a magnet lock that has a tubular fitting portion into which a magnet key can be fitted is provided on the casing so that an outer end of the tubular fitting portion faces a second opening provided in the cover plate, wherein illumination means (47) including a first illumination portion (50b) that can light a peripheral edge of the first opening (29) and a second illumination portion (50c) that can light a peripheral edge of the second opening (35) is provided on the casing (16). This makes unlocking of the magnet lock in a dark easy