Key Blank Orientation Sensing for Precise Cutting Sequences

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing key cutting technologies face challenges in accurately determining the roll, pitch, and yaw of a key blank, leading to inconsistencies in cutting sequences and reduced precision in key replication.

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, and based on these orientations, generates a cutting sequence for precise cutting, using a probe for relative movement and adjustment of cutting extents in the key cutting machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional key cutting methods are used, then the cutting process is simple and fast, but the precision in determining key orientation (roll, pitch, yaw) is insufficient leading to inconsistent key replication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey replication precisionVSAvoidapparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of the key blank's orientation (roll, pitch, yaw) using a probe and sensor array before the cutting operation. This preliminary action allows the cutting sequence to be adjusted based on actual key orientation, ensuring precise key replication while maintaining a relatively simple cutting apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with an electronic sensing system that uses a probe, sensor array, and processor to automatically detect and determine key orientation parameters. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical alignment mechanisms while achieving high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a probe with relative movement is used to determine key orientation, then measurement precision improves, but the time required for orientation determination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation measurement precisionVSAvoidorientation determination time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The orientation measurement process is segmented into three independent measurements (roll, pitch, and yaw) performed simultaneously using a multi-element sensor array. This segmentation allows the system to determine all three orientation parameters in parallel rather than sequentially, improving measurement precision while minimizing the time required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a probe capable of relative movement that dynamically adapts its measurement approach based on the key blank's position. The probe can move to optimal measurement positions and the sensor array can be activated selectively, enabling fast and precise orientation determination without requiring exhaustive measurement of all possible positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240342809A1Apparatus for determining the roll, pitch and yaw of a key blank

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 ICONX LTD

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.