Key Clamp Rotation Controller for Versatile Key Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional key cutting machines face challenges in accommodating various key styles and orientations due to the need for multiple clamping surfaces and manual rotation of clamps, which complicates the cutting process for different key geometries and lengths.

Innovation Solution

A key clamping device with two interconnected clamps and a rotational mechanism, utilizing a belt and gear system to facilitate automatic or manual rotation, allowing for easy alignment of clamping surfaces with the cutting machine, and incorporating a microcontroller for automated selection based on key type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate clamps are used for different key styles, then each key type can be properly clamped, but the device complexity increases and manual rotation is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to clamp different key stylesVSAvoidnumber of clamps and manual rotation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple clamps that can accommodate different key styles into a single clamp assembly. This single clamp integrates multiple clamping surfaces and geometries, eliminating the need for separate clamps for each key type while reducing overall device complexity and eliminating manual rotation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single clamp is designed with multi-functionality to handle various key styles, geometries, and orientations. It incorporates multiple clamping surfaces and adjustable features that allow it to universally accommodate different key types without requiring separate specialized clamps for each style.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple clamps are used for different key orientations, then various key geometries can be accommodated, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for various key orientationsVSAvoidmanual rotation and alignment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple orientation-capable clamps into a single clamp assembly that can handle various key orientations simultaneously. This integration eliminates the need for manual rotation and alignment operations, as the single clamp is designed to accommodate different orientations from its inception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp incorporates dynamic features that allow it to adapt to different key orientations automatically. The clamp design includes movable or adjustable components that can dynamically adjust to match the orientation of the key being clamped, eliminating manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If clamps are rotated manually to match key styles, then proper alignment is achieved, but productivity decreases due to additional manual steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracy between clamp and keyVSAvoidcutting cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple pre-configured clamping options into a single clamp assembly, eliminating the manual rotation step entirely. This maintains proper alignment accuracy between the clamp and key while significantly reducing the cutting cycle time by removing unnecessary manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly is designed to self-adjust or self-align to the appropriate clamping configuration based on the key being processed. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual rotation and alignment operations, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient clamping and cutting of diverse key types by allowing for automatic or manual rotation of clamps, ensuring proper alignment and reducing the complexity of handling different key geometries and orientations, thereby enhancing the versatility and efficiency of key cutting machines.

Implementation Method 1

A key clamping device with two interconnected clamps and a rotational mechanism, utilizing a belt and gear system to facilitate automatic or manual rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

The belt may engage a gear connected to the first key clamp, a gear connected to the second key clamp, and a gear connected to the rotational device to translate rotation of the rotational device to the two key clamps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS8770564B2Key clamp rotation controller

Publication Date: 2014.07.08 HY KO PRODS

AI summary

A key clamping device includes a first key clamp, a second key clamp and a rotational device connected to the first and second key clamps. The rotational device may facilitate rotation of the first and second key clamps.