Hollow Key Shank with Internal Coding Tracks for Lock Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock systems with cylindrical plugs have limited security, distribution, and combination capabilities due to easily readable code tracks and channels, making them vulnerable to scanning and visual code reading.
Innovation Solution
A key shank with a hollow, partially enclosed profile featuring rotatable and shaped coding tracks/channels, combined with a lock mechanism that includes sprung validating levers and a blocking system, preventing code scanning and enhancing resistance against bending and twisting, while allowing for a high number of lock combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hollow enclosed body with coding track is used in the key shank, then the lock combination capability is increased, but the code becomes readable by scanning, reducing security
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the coding function from the external surface of the key shank and relocates it to the internal cavity. The coding track is now positioned inside the hollow enclosed body, making it inaccessible to external scanning devices while maintaining its functional capability for lock validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coding track is nested within the hollow enclosed body of the key shank. This nesting arrangement allows the code to be contained within the key structure itself, protected from external observation, while still being accessible to the lock's validation mechanism through the key's insertion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hollow partially enclosed profile is used in the key shank, then code reading is prevented, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The key shank is segmented into a hollow partially enclosed profile rather than a solid structure. This segmentation provides internal space for coding elements while the distributed wall structure maintains adequate strength through geometric optimization of the profile shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow partially enclosed profile can be manufactured from composite materials or optimized metal alloys that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring that the reduced cross-sectional area does not compromise the key shank's mechanical strength while maintaining code protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If coding elements are placed in the open cavity of the key shank, then security is increased by preventing visual reading, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coding elements are merged with the key shank's structural profile itself. The coding track is formed as an integral part of the hollow partially enclosed profile through processes like molding or machining, combining the structural and coding functions into a single manufactured component rather than separate assemblies.
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 significantly increases security and combination capabilities by preventing code scanning and visual reading, while providing high resistance against manipulation and bending, thereby enhancing the overall security of the lock system.
Implementation Method 1
in the plug body in its outer longitudinal groove is situated a sprung sidebar, which is pushed to the inner surface of the housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A key for controlling a lock with a cylindrical plug, where the body of its shank (10) is at least in a part of its length formed by a hollow, partially enclosed profile, the external rounded surface of which (16) is shaped for turning the key in the lock cavity, while at least in the end part (12) of the lateral section of the shank (10), an open cavity is created for inserting an arm of the validating lever (5) of the lock. At least a part of the shank (10) is created in the U- or V-shape, while in at least one such part of the shank (10), the bottom and/or the wall of the inner and outer arch of the shank (10) is fitted with at least one open coding track (9) and/or at least one coding channel (18) with a shaped coding surface. The lock for validating the key contains at least one cylindrical plug (1) rotatable in its housing (2), where in the plug body (1), a sprung sidebar (3) of the lock is situated in its outer longitudinal groove, pushed to the inner surface of the housing (2). The sidebar (3) is adapted for inserting into the turning validating levers (5) that are arranged in a row in the longitudinal axis of the plug (1) on the pivot in the plug (1) and they are located in the lateral slots (6) along the plug's (1) length. These validating levers (5) are in case of incorrect coding of the key (11) in a blocked functional state in a position preventing the inserting of the sidebar (3) into the groove (23) in the plug (1), and thus the turning of the plug (1) inside the housing (2) of the lock, while in the unblocked state in case of correct coding of the key (11), they are in the functional position allowing for the movement of the sidebar (3) in the direction into the groove (23) in the plug (1) and thus the turning of the plug (1) inside the housing (2) of the lock. The validating levers (5) at least partially protrude into the cavity of the key (11), by which they allow for achieving contact between the validating levers (5) and code carriers, which are the coding tracks (9) or channels (18) in the key (11).