Cylinder Lock With Segmented Plates For Hierarchical Key Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cylinder locks have limited code variations and lack the ability to create hierarchies in key systems, restricting their security and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of different types of locking plates, including positive, negative, and neutral plates, along with scanning grooves and cams, allows for increased code variations by querying multiple codings at each scanning position on the key, enabling the creation of main and group keys and enhancing security through complex key interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cylinder locks with single locking plates are used, then the structure is simple, but the number of possible codes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking plates (at least two per slot) that can be individually controlled. Each locking plate has its own spring and can be independently displaced by the key, allowing multiple code combinations to be created within the same lock structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension of complexity by arranging locking plates in multiple slots around the cylinder core's circumference. This radial arrangement allows codes to be distributed across multiple positions, significantly increasing the total number of possible code combinations compared to a single locking plate system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple locking plates are arranged in each slot, then code variations increase, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each locking plate is designed with universal functionality - they all share the same basic structure with a projection, spring, and slot arrangement. This standardization allows multiple locking plates to be used without proportionally increasing complexity, as each plate performs the same locking function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple locking plates are combined within the same slot space, sharing common structural elements such as the slot housing and spring mechanism. This merging approach allows multiple code-checking elements to coexist in a compact arrangement, increasing code variations without linearly increasing overall device volume or complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If scanning cams and grooves are provided at multiple grid positions, then hierarchical key systems can be created, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different scanning patterns are assigned to different grid positions on the locking plates. Each position can have customized cam and groove arrangements that correspond to specific key code positions, allowing hierarchical key systems to be created with localized variations in the scanning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning cams and grooves are pre-configured in fixed grid positions during manufacturing, establishing the hierarchical key system structure in advance. This preliminary arrangement of scanning elements allows the lock to automatically recognize and differentiate between main keys and group keys based on their specific coding patterns.
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
This design significantly increases the number of possible codes and introduces a hierarchical key system, providing enhanced security by ensuring that each scanning position on the key engages multiple locking plates, offering improved resistance to unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
each of which is pretensioned with a spiral spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a cylinder lock comprising a cylinder housing (1) and a cylinder core (3) that is rotatable therein and is provided with a key channel (2). Small locking plates (5), each of which is biased by a spiral spring (6), are slidably arranged in slots (4) in the cylinder core (3). The outer periphery of each small locking plate (5) includes at least one projection (7) which cooperates with at least one recess (8) in the cylinder housing (1) in order to prevent the cylinder core (3) from rotating relative to the cylinder housing (1). The small locking plates (5) are provided with a cavity (9) for accommodating a flat key (10). At one of the lateral edges (11) of the cavity (9), one ore more sensing studs (12) and/or sensing grooves (13) are to engage with codings (14, 15, 16) located in sensing positions on one side of the flat key, such that the small locking plates (5) are displaced and provide access to the cylinder core (3) when the flat key is inserted into the cavity (9).