Automatic Key Cutter Change for Multi-Type Key Duplication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current key processing machines, both mechanical and electronic, face inefficiencies in production and require human labor, leading to wasted resources and inability to meet the demands of modern industrialization for increased manufacturing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A key processing machine featuring an automatic cutter change device with a rotary disc, learning cutter head, and clamp component that automatically learns the original key shape and processes key blanks, eliminating the need for manual cutter replacement and benchmark calibration, allowing for full automation and efficient processing of different key types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If mechanical or electronic key processing machines are used, then key duplication can be performed, but production efficiency is low and human labor is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic cutter selection and positioning based on the detected key profile. The control unit automatically determines the required cutter from the database and controls the cutter changing device to position the appropriate cutter, eliminating the need for manual cutter replacement and achieving self-service operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The key processing machine integrates multiple functions including key profile detection, data processing, cutter selection, cutter positioning, and key milling into a single automated system. The rotary disc with multiple cutters and the control unit enable the machine to handle different key types without manual intervention, providing multi-functional capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If benchmark positioning or artificial change of cutter is required, then different key types can be processed, but time is lost and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to process different key typesVSAvoidtime for cutter change and positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cutters for different key types are pre-installed on the rotary disc in advance. The control unit stores correspondence between key profiles and required cutters in a database. When a key duplication task is received, the system quickly retrieves the required cutter information and positions it, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual cutter changes and benchmark positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses optical detection to create a digital copy of the key profile, then compares it with stored profiles in the database to identify the required cutter. This copying and matching process enables rapid automatic selection without manual benchmark positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If manual labor is involved in key processing, then flexibility is maintained, but human resources are wasted and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems. The optical detector replaces manual key measurement, the control unit replaces manual decision-making for cutter selection, and the automated cutter changing device replaces manual cutter replacement. This substitution maintains operational flexibility while dramatically improving productivity and eliminating human labor

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

Data Source

PatentEP3756805B1Key processing machine
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 ZHEJIANG YONGYUAN TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP3756805B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3756805B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3756805B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This invention discloses a key processing machine, comprises an automatic cutter change device (100), a key shape learning device (200), a clamp component (300) and a base (400); the said automatic cutter change device (100) comprises a frame structure (2), a cutter head (4), a rotary disc (3) and a first motor (11) unit; the said rotary disc (3) is fitted with a plurality of chambers (17) used to accommodate the said cutter head (4); the said cutter head (4) is installed in the said chambers (17). The said rotary disc (3) and the first motor (11) unit are installed on the said frame structure (2), and the said first motor (11) unit drives the said rotary disc (3) to rotate and further drive the cutter head (4) on the said rotary disc (3) to rotate. The automatic cutter change device (100) or the key shape learning device (200) matches the clamp component (300) to put the original key and the key blank for processing in the clamp component, saving human resources and increasing working efficiency.