Interchangeable Cylinder Lock Core with Radial Side Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interchangeable cylinder lock cores lack high security mechanisms and sufficient space for side bar or side tumbler mechanisms due to limited space occupied by locking pins, keyway, and prong holes, making them vulnerable to manipulation and key plug rotation without a properly cut key.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a key plug with a back region having prong holes of at least half its length and a front region accommodating a side locking mechanism with independently movable side locking tumblers, interacting directly with a fixed sleeve portion, providing multiple code positions and combinations for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the key plug diameter is kept small to maintain compactness, then the lock core remains compact and easy to install, but there is no room for side bar or side tumbler mechanisms which require longitudinal extension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional longitudinal placement of locking mechanisms to a radial/dimensional arrangement. The side bar mechanism is positioned radially outward from the key plug center, utilizing the cylindrical space around the key plug rather than extending it longitudinally. This allows side locking tumblers to be arranged in a radial pattern around the key plug, effectively using the third dimension (radial distance) to accommodate additional locking components without increasing the key plug's length or diameter significantly.
2Reliability
If two long prong holes are provided in the back region of the key plug, then effective guiding and secure engagement of prongs is achieved, but the space for side locking mechanisms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The key plug is segmented into distinct functional regions: a back region containing the two long prong holes for torque transfer, and a front region containing the side locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently - the back region provides reliable prong engagement while the front region accommodates the side bar and tumblers. The longitudinal division separates the torque transmission function from the side locking function, resolving the space conflict.
3Reliability
If conventional side bar mechanisms are added to provide high security, then resistance to manipulation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side bar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a locking element that blocks key plug rotation, provides a mounting structure for multiple side locking tumblers, and interfaces with the key's side code pattern. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining high security through multiple code positions and combinations.
4Reliability
If the key plug is designed to accommodate multiple locking mechanisms, then security is enhanced, but the ease of manufacture and assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The side bar and multiple side locking tumblers are merged into a single integrated assembly that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This merging reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps and simplifies the assembly process, as the entire side locking mechanism can be installed in a single operation rather than requiring separate assembly of multiple independent components.
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4a~4e
Figure 4f~4i
AI summary
An interchangeable cylinder lock core with a mechanism for transferring a torque to a lock unit when a key plug is rotated. The interchangeable cylinder lock core includes a shell having an upper part, provided with a central row of locking pins in associated cavities, and a lower part with a cylindrical bore accommodating the rotatable key plug. At least a part of the cylindrical bore extends through a rotatable retainer sleeve. A back region of the key plug has a minimum length with the adjoining front region of the key plug being located in front of the mechanism for transferring torque. The adjoining front region accommodates, in addition to the central row of locking pins, at least one side locking mechanism which is located in its entirety within the front region of the key plug and interacts with at least one recess in a fixed front end sleeve portion.