Key Blank Orientation Sensing for Accurate Cutting Sequences

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing key cutting technologies lack precision in determining the roll, pitch, and yaw of a key blank, leading to inaccuracies in cutting sequences and ultimately affecting the quality of replicated keys.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a processor and memory with computer program code that determines the roll, pitch, and yaw of a clamped key blank, using a probe for relative movement and orientation data to generate a precise cutting sequence for a key cutting machine, allowing for accurate cutting of key blanks based on these orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional key cutting technology is used, then the cutting process is simple, but the measurement precision of key blank orientation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation measurement precisionVSAvoidapparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a three-dimensional orientation measurement system (roll, pitch, yaw) to capture key blank orientation from multiple angular dimensions. This multi-dimensional approach enables precise determination of the key blank's spatial orientation by measuring rotation angles around three orthogonal axes, thereby resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular sensor integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment and measurement methods with electronic/orientation-based detection systems. By using sensors to detect roll, pitch, and yaw angles electronically, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms, thus improving measurement capability while controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If orientation determination is added to the cutting process, then the cutting accuracy is improved, but the process time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting accuracyVSAvoidprocess time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements orientation measurement and determination of roll, pitch, and yaw angles before the cutting operation begins. By pre-determining the key blank's spatial orientation and calculating the appropriate cutting sequence in advance, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments during cutting, thereby achieving high cutting accuracy without significant time penalty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines orientation and calculates cutting parameters without requiring manual intervention or iterative adjustments. The automated orientation detection and cutting sequence generation enable the process to self-regulate, reducing both measurement time and cutting errors, thus improving accuracy while maintaining efficient process timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4446833A1An apparatus for determining the roll, pitch and yaw of a key blank
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 ICONX LTD
  • EP4446833A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4446833A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1E
  • EP4446833A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine a roll, a pitch and a yaw of a clamped key blank; and based at least in part on the determined roll, pitch and yaw of the key blank, determine a cutting sequence for cutting the key blank.