Cylinder Lock with Shuttle Pin and Sidebar Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock systems have limited supplemental locking elements, making them vulnerable to lock picking techniques as the number of unique key identifiers is restricted, and there is a challenge in incorporating additional locking elements within the limited space of a key blade.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lock cylinder design with a multi-level ridge in the keyway that interacts with a movable shuttle pin to engage supplemental sidebar control elements, increasing the number of unique key possibilities and enhancing security by requiring precise alignment and movement of the shuttle pin to unlock the lock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of supplemental locking elements is increased, then the number of unique key possibilities increases and lock security improves, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is segmented into multiple independent locking elements (primary locking element and multiple supplemental locking elements) that can be controlled separately. Each locking element has its own control mechanism (primary sidebar control element and supplemental sidebar control elements), allowing for increased security through multiple independent barriers while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lateral movement dimension for the shuttle element, in addition to the traditional rotational movement of the plug. This multi-dimensional control mechanism allows multiple supplemental locking elements to be engaged or disengaged through lateral movement of the shuttle element, increasing key possibilities without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of supplemental locking elements is increased, then the number of unique key possibilities increases, but the available space in the key blade and lock cylinder is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple supplemental locking elements are merged into a compact arrangement within the lock cylinder. The supplemental sidebar control elements are positioned adjacent to the keyway and controlled by a single shuttle element, allowing multiple locking functions to be integrated into a limited space both in the key blade and lock cylinder
Solution Approach 2:
The shuttle element is nested within the key blade, and the supplemental sidebar control elements are nested within the lock cylinder adjacent to the keyway. This nested arrangement allows multiple locking elements to be accommodated in the limited available space, increasing key possibilities without requiring proportional increases in key blade or cylinder dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly includes a plug with a keyway, primary pins aligned with the keyway for controlling rotation of the plug, a sidebar for controlling rotation of the plug, secondary pins adjacent the keyway for controlling movement of the sidebar, and at least one supplemental sidebar control element for controlling movement of the sidebar. The lock assembly is operated by simultaneously manipulating the primary pins, the secondary pins, and the supplemental sidebar control element to place each in a respective position and/or orientation to permit rotation of the plug and to permit sufficient movement of the sidebar to permit rotation of the plug and then applying torque to the plug.