Divided Spindle Lock Connecting Pin Friction Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing divided spindle locks can be inadvertently opened from the outside by applying sufficient force to the spindle in the longitudinal, pulling, or lateral direction, leading to unwanted unlocking due to frictional forces between the connecting pin and other lock components.

Innovation Solution

A divided spindle design featuring a round connecting pin with grooves and bores for cotter pins, which minimizes friction by allowing the spindle parts to rotate independently, preventing the transmission of forces applied in these directions to the connecting pin, thereby enhancing security against unauthorized opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the connecting pin is designed as a one-piece bolt with threads for secure connection, then the structural strength and connection reliability are improved, but the frictional force between the connecting pin and spindle parts increases, allowing unwanted opening when external force is applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidunwanted unlocking due to friction
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting pin is divided into two separate parts: a first connecting part with a head and a second connecting part. This segmentation eliminates the threaded connection that caused excessive friction, while maintaining structural integrity through precise fitting and positioning of the two parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threading function is extracted from the connecting pin design. Instead of using threads to achieve connection strength, the patent uses a smooth-bore fitting system where the first connecting part fits into the bore of the second connecting part, eliminating the harmful friction while preserving the connection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Power

If the spindle parts are tightly connected to prevent independent rotation, then the torque transmission efficiency is improved, but the ability to resist external longitudinal and lateral forces deteriorates, allowing lock opening under applied force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission efficiencyVSAvoidvulnerability to external forces
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between spindle parts has different properties at different locations. The connecting pin provides a tight fit for torque transmission in the rotational direction, while the overall design allows controlled movement in longitudinal and lateral directions to prevent force transmission to the lock mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a static tight connection to a dynamic system where the spindle parts can move slightly under external forces. This dynamic behavior allows the system to absorb external forces without transmitting them to the lock, while maintaining effective torque transmission during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the spindle design allows easy assembly and disassembly for installation, then the ease of manufacture and installation is improved, but the security against forced opening deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidsecurity against forced opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The divided spindle design with separate first and second spindle parts connected by connecting pins enables simple assembly and disassembly for installation and maintenance, while the specific design of the connection system maintains security by preventing force transmission to the lock mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting pins act as intermediaries between the two spindle parts. They provide a secure connection that is easy to assemble and disassemble, while simultaneously serving as a safety mechanism that prevents the transmission of external forces to the lock, thus maintaining both ease of installation and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively prevents unwanted unlocking by reducing frictional forces, ensuring the lock remains secure against external forces, making it more resistant to break-ins and vandalism while being easy to manufacture and install.

Implementation Method 1

minimizes friction by allowing the spindle parts to rotate independently, preventing the transmission of forces applied in these directions to the connecting pin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8113553B2Divided spindle
Publication Date: 2012.02.14 ABLOY OY
  • US8113553B2 patent drawing
  • US8113553B2 patent drawing
  • US8113553B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This invention relates to lock spindles divided into two parts and interconnected by a connecting pin. The invention particularly relates to solenoid locks. The invention eliminates the effect of an external force applied to a divided spindle on the opposite-side spindle and other parts of the lock. The divided spindle comprises a connecting pin that is round in cross-section, a first spindle and a second spindle. The connecting pin can be connected to the spindle parts so that the spindle parts rotate in relation to the connecting pin.