Dual-Ring Tubular Lock Assembly Key Bitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tubular locks have poor security due to limited variations in key bitting and pin configurations, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A dual-ring tubular lock assembly with inner-ring and outer-ring notches on the key and corresponding pins, along with driver pins and springs, increases the complexity and variations of key bitting, enhancing security by requiring precise alignment and movement of multiple pin sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only the outer edge of the tubular key is formed with notches and only the outer wall of the tubular keyhole is mounted with pins, then the structure is simple, but the number of variations of key bitting is few and security is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The key and keyhole are segmented into two independent ring systems: an outer ring with outer-ring notches and outer-ring pins, and an inner ring with inner-ring notches and inner-ring pins. Each ring can be configured independently, allowing the key to have both outer-ring and inner-ring notches simultaneously. This segmentation doubles the number of pin sets from one to two, exponentially increasing the number of possible key bitting combinations while maintaining the simplicity of the basic tubular lock structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dual-ring structure is implemented with inner-ring and outer-ring notches and corresponding pins, then the number of variations of key bitting increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds another dimensional layer to the key-bitting system by introducing the inner ring as a secondary dimension. Instead of increasing complexity within a single plane, the solution extends the pin arrangement into a concentric ring dimension. The inner-ring pins are mounted in inner-ring grooves on the inner wall of the keyhole, while outer-ring pins are mounted in outer-ring grooves on the outer wall. This dimensional extension allows for independent configuration of two pin sets without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or operational complexity.
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 dual-ring structure significantly increases the number of possible key combinations, making it more difficult to unlock the lock, thereby enhancing the security and complexity of the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
springs, a lower bead seat, and a latch. The key is tubular in shape. An inner wall and an outer wall of the key are formed with inner-ring notches and outer-ring notches, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-ring tubular lock assembly is provided. Inner and outer walls of a key are formed with inner-ring and outer-ring notches. A lock cylinder is inserted in a central through hole of a lock housing. A front end of the lock cylinder is formed with a tubular keyhole. The tubular keyhole is formed with inner-ring and outer-ring grooves corresponding to the inner-ring and outer-ring notches and mounted with inner-ring and outer-ring key pins. A rear end of the lock cylinder passes through a central perforation of a lower bead seat and extends out of the lock housing. The lower bead seat is fixed in the center through hole. The lower bead seat is formed with inner-ring and outer-ring holes corresponding to the inner-ring and outer-ring grooves and mounted with inner-ring and outer-ring driver pins and springs. The latch is fixed to the rear end of the lock cylinder.