Detainer Disc Locking System With Deviated Picking Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional detainer disc locking systems are vulnerable to lock picking due to unobstructed picking paths and limited directional operation of the lock cylinder relative to the lock housing, restricting their application.
Innovation Solution
A detainer disc locking system incorporating a deviated key, idler block, and stationary shield that obstructs the picking path and allows bidirectional operation of the lock cylinder by aligning gate channels with side bar channels, enabling the lock cylinder to rotate relative to the lock housing in either direction once unlocked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the key interacts directly with the inner opening of each detainer disc, then the key can easily access and rotate the discs, but the picking path becomes unobstructed and vulnerable to lock picking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the deviated key with offset keyed surfaces and the idler block) that mediates between the keyhole and the detainer discs. The key does not directly access the discs through a straight path; instead, it interacts with the idler block which then transmits rotational motion to the discs through a deviated path, blocking direct picking access while maintaining operational functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional approach by deviating the picking path from a straight linear interaction to an offset angular path. The keyed surfaces are positioned at a deviation distance from the keyhole axis, and the idler block converts this linear key insertion into rotational motion of the detainer discs, adding a dimensional transformation that blocks direct picking
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lock cylinder is designed for single-direction rotation relative to the lock housing, then the detainer discs can be simply configured, but the applicability of the locking system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the detainer discs with gate channels that can align with side bar channels in multiple orientations, and the key with keyed surfaces that can engage the discs at different rotational positions. This allows the lock cylinder to rotate in either direction relative to the lock housing while using the same basic components, increasing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system has a lock cylinder rotatable within a lock housing and a side bar movable relative to channels within the lock cylinder and lock housing between locked and released conditions of the lock cylinder. An idler block within the lock cylinder has a key channel receiving a key therein so that the key and idler block rotate together relative to the lock cylinder. Annular detainer discs are received between the idler block and the lock cylinder, each having an outer gate channel and an inner key bit such that keyed surfaces of the key engage the key bits when rotated to align the gate channels with the side bar and enable the release of the side bar to unlock the cylinder relative to the housing. A stationary shield may be fixed relative to the housing, about which the idler block rotates to restrict access to the detainer discs.