Flat Key With Protruding Rib For Multi-Plane Coding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key-cylinder lock combinations with flat keys lack sufficient coding options and reliability against unauthorized copying and opening, while maintaining the key's dimensions and mechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
A flat key with a reversible profile body featuring grooves, countersink sections, and a protruding rib, where the rib's length and position create additional coding levels, and the depth of depressions provides further coding options, ensuring enhanced security without increasing key dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional coding options are added to the flat key, then coding reliability and security are improved, but key complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third coding dimension by adding a rib structure that protrudes from the key surface, creating multiple coding planes (first coding plane at the surface level, second coding plane at the rib top level, and third coding plane through deeper recesses). This dimensional approach allows multiple coding options without increasing key dimensions or overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The key surface is segmented into multiple coding planes and zones: the first coding plane with initial recesses, the rib structure creating a second coding plane, deeper recesses forming a third coding plane, and lateral grooves providing additional coding. This segmentation allows independent coding features to be read by corresponding pins or pin pairs in the cylinder lock
2Adaptability or versatility
If the key dimensions are increased to add coding features, then more coding options are available, but the key size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by creating a rib that protrudes from the key surface, establishing multiple coding planes at different heights. This allows coding information to be encoded in the vertical dimension rather than requiring increased key length, width, or thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The coding features are nested within the existing key structure: recesses are formed in the key surface, the rib protrudes from the surface, and additional recesses are formed in the rib. This nested arrangement maximizes coding capacity within the original key dimensions
3Reliability
If more coding features are added to the key, then security against unauthorized copying is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into sequential steps: forming the key body, creating the rib structure, machining recesses in the first coding plane, forming deeper recesses in the second coding plane, and adding lateral grooves. Each step can be performed by standard machining operations, making the complex key manufacturable through systematic processing
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the key have different properties: the rib structure provides a raised coding plane, while recesses provide depressed coding planes. This local differentiation allows multiple coding options to be created using standard machining operations applied to specific local areas rather than requiring complex overall key redesign
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The key has a copy-protected flat-profile body including a predetermined structure cross-sectional region, where grooves and/or counter bore sections (7) for coding are provided with long width and long narrow sides. The grooves extend parallel to each other and form a profile of the key, and the flat-profile body includes ribs (5) that are formed on a longitudinal broad side of the body. The ribs run parallel to the grooves, and are projected over an upper surface of the body, where a supplementary coding possibility is created at the bore sections via length and/or a position of the ribs.