Cylinder Lock Security Device with Magnetic Combinatory Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cylinder lock security devices face limitations in the number of possible combinations, aesthetic appeal, and vulnerability to tampering due to their size and external positioning, which can lead to jamming and ease of vandalism.

Innovation Solution

A security device with a cylindrical casing and a protective key-plate featuring a magnetic combinatory unit with four satellites, each containing magnetic means, allowing for a higher number of combinations without increasing the device's size, and incorporating guide means and blocking pins for secure locking and unlocking positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional keyhole protection plate with a slit is used, then the cylinder is partially protected, but the cylinder remains susceptible to tampering through the slit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecylinder protectionVSAvoidtampering through slit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device is divided into multiple functional segments: a fixed plate portion providing structural protection, a movable cover element that can occlude the keyhole, and magnetic locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows the device to provide both physical protection and active security control, preventing tampering through the keyhole while maintaining aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the covering element is positioned outside the strip on the external face, then it is easily accessible, but it becomes vulnerable to tampering and vandalism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of covering elementVSAvoidvulnerability to vandalism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic locking mechanism creates a preliminary protective barrier against vandalism. The magnets in the cover element interact with the magnetic means in the plate portion to create strong holding forces that resist external attacks such as hammer strokes or drilling attempts, preventing the cover element from being easily removed or damaged before the user needs to access it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If the user applies downward thrust on the cover element to disengage pins, then unlocking is achieved, but the operation requires considerable force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking operationVSAvoidforce required to disengage pins
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical pin-disengagement system is replaced with a magnetic interaction system. The magnetic means in the plate portion interact with the magnets in the cover element to provide automatic locking and unlocking assistance. This substitution reduces the mechanical force required from the user while maintaining secure locking, as the magnetic forces assist in holding and releasing the cover element without requiring strong manual thrusts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a magnetic combinatory unit with four satellites is used, then the number of combinations is increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of combinationsVSAvoidcombinatory unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The four magnetic satellites are integrated into a single compact combinatory unit that merges multiple functional elements into one cohesive structure. The satellites are arranged in a compact configuration within the plate portion, sharing common mounting structures and magnetic interaction pathways. This merging approach increases the number of possible combinations while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity and size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution significantly increases the number of possible combinations while maintaining structural simplicity and ease of use, enhancing security without increasing dimensions, and making the device more resistant to tampering and vandalism.

Implementation Method 1

A security device with a cylindrical casing and a protective key-plate featuring a magnetic combinatory unit with four satellites, each containing magnetic means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

incorporating guide means and blocking pins for secure locking and unlocking positions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3527754B1Security device for a cylinder lock
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 OLIANA PIER LUIGI
  • EP3527754B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3527754B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3527754B1 patent drawingFigure 3~8

AI summary

The present invention is relative to an improved security device adapted to be coupled to a cylinder lock. The security device (1) comprises a casing (2) provided with a first axial opening (3) suitable to house a cylinder of said lock and misaligned with respect to the centre of the casing (2), a protective key-plate (6) adapted to be coupled to the casing (2) and provided with a second through opening (7) arranged out of line with respect to the centre of the key-plate (6) so as to be substantially aligned, when in use, with the first axial opening (3), a slider (16) movable with respect to the casing (2) between a locking position, in which the slider (16) occludes the first axial opening (3) to prevent, in use, access to the cylinder, and an unlocking position, wherein the slider (16) allows accessing the first axial opening (3), and a magnetic combinatory unit (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24) movable together with the slider (16) and comprising at least four satellites (17, 18, 19, 20) containing respective magnetic means (21, 22, 23, 24). The satellites (17, 18, 19, 20) are rotatably housed within respective seats (34, 35, 36, 37) provided on said slider (16) and reciprocally arranged two by two on two parallel axes.