Dual-Cam Door Lock for Universal Keying and Pin Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locks with spring-loaded pins are limited in versatility, requiring separate internal and external keys and necessitate modifications to the door or its components for installation, and are vulnerable to common burglary techniques.
Innovation Solution
A door lock design featuring spring-loaded pins arranged parallel to the key insertion axis, allowing for a universal external key and internal key operation without modifying the door, deadbolt, or latch bolt, and incorporating a mechanical mechanism with interchangeable pin configurations for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spring-loaded pins are arranged parallel to the key insertion axis inside the lock, then the lock structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the lock lacks versatility and requires separate internal and external keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal key system where a single key with multiple functional elements can operate both internal and external locking mechanisms. The key includes a first functional element that interacts with pins in the first position and a second functional element that interacts with pins in the second position, allowing one key to perform multiple functions that previously required separate keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is divided into two distinct operational positions with separate pin arrangements. The first set of pins responds to the first functional element of the key, while the second set of pins responds to the second functional element. This segmentation allows the universal key to selectively engage different locking mechanisms through a single insertion action.
2Reliability
If the lock requires separate internal and external keys, then security is enhanced, but key management becomes complex and locksmith services are needed frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The universal key integrates multiple functional elements that correspond to different security mechanisms within a single key structure. This eliminates the need for separate internal and external keys while maintaining the security layers provided by multiple pin sets, thereby simplifying key management without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple keys into a single universal key by integrating different functional elements within one key body. The first and second functional elements are merged into a single key structure that can interact with both sets of pins, reducing the total number of keys needed and simplifying key management.
3Reliability
If the lock installation requires modifications to the door, deadbolt, or latch bolt, then the lock can be securely integrated, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism incorporates movable components including a movable cam that can rotate between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic design allows the lock to be securely integrated into existing door structures without requiring extensive modifications, as the movable parts adapt to the installation environment while maintaining security integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock is designed with universal compatibility features that allow it to function with various door types, deadbolt configurations, and latch bolt arrangements. The dual-position pin system and universal key mechanism enable the lock to be securely installed without requiring specific modifications to the door structure, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 provides high security against burglary techniques, allows for easy reprogramming, and simplifies key management by enabling a single key to operate multiple locks, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and minimizing the need for locksmith services.
Implementation Method 1
a multiplicity of springs positioned in the movable equipment parallel to the insertion direction of the key and individually provided with a head; and a plurality of pins, each pin, loaded by a spring of said plurality of springs
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A door lock has a body (1) equipped with an internal chamber (2), an external chamber (3) and an interspace containing a mobile unit (4) having an internal cam (40) suitable for receiving and retaining a inner key end, and an external cam (41) adapted to receive and retain an outer key end. A plurality of springs (13) are positioned in the inner chamber (2) in passages parallel to the direction of insertion of the keys; pins (15) of a plurality of pins (15), loaded by respective springs (13) of said plurality of springs (13), are slidable in respective passages extending into the inner chamber (2), in the interspace and in the outer chamber (3) along a direction parallel to the key insertion direction. The external key can be modified to open locks of this type.