Electro-Mechanical Lock Core With Independent Keeper Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small format interchangeable cores (SFICs) require frequent re-keying and lack efficient mechanisms for secure and easy replacement with alternative key formats, including smart credentials.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable electro-mechanical lock core with a moveable plug and core keeper mechanism, coupled with an electro-mechanical control system, allows for secure locking and unlocking states, and enables easy removal and replacement using an actuator independent of the moveable plug, incorporating electronic controllers and motors for enhanced security and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional small format interchangeable cores are used, then re-keying can be performed, but the process is frequent and lacks efficient mechanisms for secure replacement with alternative key formats
Solution Approach 1:
The lock core body is designed to accommodate multiple key formats including traditional physical keys and smart credentials such as smartcards, proximity cards, key fobs, and cellular telephones. The operator actuatable assembly serves multiple functions: it can be coupled to the moveable plug for locking/unlocking operations and also provides access to the actuator for core removal, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for different key formats
Solution Approach 2:
The core keeper mechanism is extracted as a separate functional component that can be independently actuated. The actuator is accessible through the operator actuatable assembly, allowing the core keeper to be moved to the remove position without affecting the moveable plug or locking mechanism, enabling clean separation of the removal function from the locking function
2Ease of operation
If the core keeper is made easily removable for replacement, then interchangeability is improved, but security during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent functional components: the moveable plug handles locking/unlocking, the core keeper handles retention, and the actuator handles removal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the core keeper can be easily actuated for removal when needed, while the moveable plug maintains secure locking independently. The electro-mechanical control system provides different configurations for coupled and uncoupled states, ensuring security during operation while enabling easy removal when authorized
Solution Approach 2:
The operator actuatable assembly serves as an intermediary structure that provides controlled access to the actuator. It blocks access to the actuator when coupled to the lock core body, preventing unauthorized core removal, while still allowing authorized users to actuate the core keeper for removal. This intermediary structure mediates between the need for easy removal and the need for operational security
3Adaptability or versatility
If an actuator independent of the moveable plug is used for core removal, then replacement flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is merged with the operator actuatable assembly, which is already a necessary component for locking/unlocking operations. The electro-mechanical control system provides configurations where the operator actuatable input device can be coupled to either the moveable plug or the core keeper/actuator mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate independent mechanisms - the same operator actuatable assembly serves both locking functions and core removal functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining replacement flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
An interchangeable electro-mechanical lock core for use with a lock device having a locked state and an unlocked state is disclosed. The interchangeable electro-mechanical lock core may include a moveable plug having a first position relative to a lock core body which corresponds to the lock device being in the locked state and a second position relative to a lock core body which corresponds to the lock device being in the unlocked state. The interchangeable electro-mechanical lock core may include a core keeper moveably coupled to a lock core body. The core keeper may be positionable in a retain position wherein the core keeper extends beyond an envelope of lock core body to hold the lock core body in an opening of the lock device and a remove position wherein the core keeper is retracted relative to retain position to permit removal.