Key Cam Integral Formation and Transverse Groove Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keys and locking devices face mechanical stability issues due to the insert piece becoming loose over time, leading to potential failure in locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A key design featuring a cam integrally formed with the key shaft, which includes a transverse groove to prevent material burrs and enhance mechanical stability, ensuring the cam remains securely attached and functional over multiple uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an insert piece is used in the key shank to interact with the locking cylinder, then the key can provide security features and control locking functionality, but the insert piece becomes loose after repeated use, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the insert piece with the key shank by integral formation, creating a unified structure where the cam and key shank are formed as one piece. This eliminates the interface between separate components that causes loosening, while preserving the cam's ability to interact with locking cylinder features to control locking functionality.
2Reliability
If the cam is formed integrally with the key shank, then mechanical stability and durability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integral key structure by introducing a transverse groove that divides the key shank into distinct functional zones (cam region, intermediate region, distal region). This segmentation allows the complex integral structure to be manufactured more easily by defining clear forming boundaries and material flow paths during key production.
3Manufacturing precision
If a transverse groove is added to the key shank to prevent material burrs, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the key structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse groove serves multiple functions simultaneously: it prevents material burrs by providing a controlled termination point for material flow during forming, defines the boundary of the cam structure, and creates a visual reference feature. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural element by delivering multiple benefits from a single design feature.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a key (10) for a lock cylinder (52), wherein the key (10) has a key shaft (14) extending in a longitudinal direction (18) from a key head (12) to a key tip (16) of the key (10), wherein the key shaft (14) has two key broad sides (24), wherein the key (10) further has a cam (36) projecting from one of the key broad sides (24), the cam (36) being formed integrally with the key shaft (14), and wherein the key (10) further has a transverse groove (100) arranged between the cam (36) and the key tip (16). The present invention further relates to a locking device (50) with such a key (10) and a lock cylinder (52).