Key Groove Bottom Section Reduces Wear in Disc Tumbler Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disc tumbler cylinder locks experience malfunctions and increased wear due to wear on the key's outer surfaces, particularly in heavy use, leading to impaired operation and further wear on lock parts.
Innovation Solution
A key design featuring a transverse groove with a protected bottom section that transfers the majority of the turning force, reducing wear on the outer surfaces by minimizing their involvement in force transmission, with side sections protecting the bottom section from environmental wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outer surfaces of the key are used to transfer turning force to the lock, then the key can operate the lock effectively, but the wear on these surfaces increases rapidly leading to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The key surface is segmented into different functional zones: outer surfaces (0-surfaces) that contact the tumblers and a protected bottom section that serves as the main driving surface. This segmentation allows the outer surfaces to be worn while the protected bottom section maintains its functionality for force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure acts as an intermediary element between the outer key surfaces and the lock mechanism. The bottom section of the groove receives the turning force from the key and transmits it to the transmission disc, protecting the outer surfaces from direct force transmission wear.
2Ease of manufacture
If the outer surfaces of the key are exposed to the environment, then the key can be manufactured simply, but environmental factors cause increased wear on these surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the key have different functional qualities: the outer surfaces are designed for simple manufacturing and environmental exposure, while the bottom section of the groove is specifically designed as a protected driving surface that is shielded from environmental factors by the groove structure itself.
3Loss of substance
If the key surfaces are worn, then the key can be replaced, but the wear causes malfunctions and increases wear on lock parts
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure provides beforehand protection to the bottom section of the key, cushioning it from environmental wear and force transmission. This protective design prevents the bottom section from wearing down to the point of malfunction, thereby preventing the harmful effects of wear on both the key and lock.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a disc tumbler cylinder lock and a key for it. The key according to the invention comprises a groove that is transverse to the key shank. The groove comprises a bottom section and side sections that are transverse to the bottom section between the bottom section and the outer surface of the key shank. The bottom section of the groove is the key's main driving surface used to transfer turning force to the disc tumbler cylinder lock. This reduces wear on the O-surfaces of the key because the O-surfaces do not transfer the majority or any of the key turning force to the disc tumbler cylinder lock.