Cylinder Lock Spring Bent End Prevents Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cylinder locking devices with coil-shaped springs are prone to deformation when the spring pivots with the protector and inner cylinder, as one end may catch on the cylinder body, leading to potential deformation.

Innovation Solution

A coil-shaped spring with a bent portion bent toward the interior of the coil portion is used between the protector and the inner cylinder or cylinder body, preventing deformation by ensuring the bent end does not engage with the cylinder body during pivoting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a coil-shaped spring is provided between the protector and the inner cylinder or cylinder body to urge the protector rearward, then the protector can be urged rearward along the insertion direction, but the spring may pivot together with the protector and inner cylinder causing one end part to catch on the cylinder body leading to spring deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring force urging the protector rearwardVSAvoidspring deformation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is designed with a bent portion at one end that creates a localized structural difference. This bent portion prevents the end from engaging with the cylinder body during pivoting, while the rest of the spring maintains its coil structure for providing the necessary urging force. The local modification of the spring geometry resolves the contradiction between maintaining spring force and preventing deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the spring is made longer to ensure proper engagement, then the spring can engage properly, but it increases the likelihood of catching on the cylinder body during pivoting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring engagementVSAvoidspring deformation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the entire spring longer, the bent portion is created at the end of the spring. This localized modification allows the spring to engage properly with the protector and inner cylinder while the bent end is positioned to avoid catching on the cylinder body during pivoting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bent portion introduces a dimensional change at the spring end, bending it toward the interior of the coil portion. This creates a three-dimensional configuration that prevents the end from engaging with the cylinder body in the radial direction, while the spring maintains its axial engagement function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design prevents deformation of the spring by avoiding engagement with the cylinder body, thus maintaining the spring's integrity and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a coil-shaped spring extending in an axial direction of the inner cylinder is provided between the protector and the inner cylinder or the cylinder body so as to exhibit a spring force urging the protector rearward along the insertion direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3081724B1Cylinder locking device
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 HONDA LOCK MFG CO LTD
  • EP3081724B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3081724B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3081724B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cylinder locking device is provided in which an inner cylinder is pivotably inserted into a cylinder body, a protector is disposed opposite a rear end of the inner cylinder along an insertion direction of a mechanical key, the protector enabling the mechanical key to be inserted toward the inner cylinder, and a coil-shaped spring is provided between the protector and the inner cylinder or the cylinder body, wherein the spring (50) is formed so as to have a coil portion (50a) that extends in the axial direction of the inner cylinder (13) and a bent portion (50b) that is bent from at least one end part of the coil portion (50a) toward an interior of the coil portion (50a) in a direction along an axis of the inner cylinder (13). This enables deformation of a coil-shaped spring to be prevented.