Double-bit Lock with Magnetic and Mechanical Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional double-bit locks are vulnerable to unauthorized key duplication, which compromises their security, especially with the proliferation of locksmith services and access by individuals who may temporarily possess the original key.

Innovation Solution

A double-bit lock design incorporating a pin of magnetic material and a stop pin slidably mounted in offset radial passages, combined with magnetic and mechanical operating means on the key, prevents operation by duplicate keys lacking both magnetic and mechanical blocking means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mechanical blocking means are used in a double-bit lock, then the lock provides high intrinsic security, but the lock becomes vulnerable to unauthorized key duplication

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidunauthorized key duplication
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking mechanism is segmented into two independent systems: a magnetic blocking system with a magnetically actuable pin and a mechanical blocking system with a cam-actuated pin. Both systems must be simultaneously disengaged by the key to operate the lock, dividing the security function into separate magnetic and mechanical components that together prevent unauthorized duplication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges magnetic blocking means and mechanical blocking means into a single integrated lock mechanism. The key must simultaneously satisfy both magnetic interaction (through embedded magnets) and mechanical interaction (through cam profiles) to disengage the blocking pins, combining multiple security layers into one unified system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a lock uses both magnetic and mechanical blocking means, then resistance to unauthorized duplication is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to unauthorized duplicationVSAvoidblocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The key is designed as a multi-functional operating element that simultaneously provides magnetic interaction through embedded magnets and mechanical interaction through cam profiles. This single key component controls both magnetic and mechanical blocking systems, reducing the need for separate operating mechanisms and simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking pins serve as intermediary elements between the magnetic/mechanical fields and the lock's rotating member. These pins translate magnetic and mechanical forces into physical blocking or unblocking actions, mediating the interaction between the key's operating means and the lock's security mechanism

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 lock ensures enhanced security by preventing operation with duplicate keys, as the magnetic and mechanical means require a key with matching profiles to disengage the blocking mechanisms, thereby maintaining resistance to unauthorized access.

Implementation Method 1

a pin 28 of magnetic material mounted slidably in a first portion 30, formed in the rotating member 18, of a first radial passage 32... a magnet 70 fixed in a cavity 72

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP1715122B1Double-bit key and lock with mechanical and magnetic security system
Publication Date: 2014.11.26 C R SERRATURE
  • EP1715122B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1715122B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1715122B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The security lock comprises a boxlike body (10) within which is mounted a slidable carriage (12) associated with closing means (14) and a plurality of combination levers or plates which can be actuated by means of a double-bit key (16). The lock also comprises a member (18) mounted rotatably in a fixed element (24) and having a keyhole (26) for the insertion of the actuating end of the key (16), and first and second means of selectively blocking the rotation of the member (18) within the fixed element (24). These first and second blocking means are operated by operating means, magnetic and mechanical respectively, carried by the actuating end of the said key (16).