Key Identification System with Clamping and Digital Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key duplication systems require skilled operators to identify master keys and select appropriate blanks, and automated systems using optics are inefficient due to key movement during identification.
Innovation Solution
A key identification system comprising a housing with a key receiving aperture, a clamp to maintain the key in position, a key ring support tray, and digital identifiers positioned at specific angles to capture images of the key blade, along with an alignment clamp and biasing members to secure the key for accurate identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional optical systems are used to identify master keys, then automation is achieved, but identification accuracy deteriorates due to key movement during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The key is clamped and secured in a fixed position before the optical identification process begins. The clamping mechanism holds the key stationary during image capture, eliminating movement-related errors and ensuring accurate identification throughout the automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification system captures multiple images of the key from different angles and positions. By segmenting the identification process into multiple discrete image captures rather than relying on a single static image, the system compensates for any minor positioning variations and achieves higher overall accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual identification by trained workers is used, then identification accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases due to reliance on operator skills
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs key identification automatically without requiring trained operators to manually examine and classify keys. The optical identification system and automated clamping mechanism work together to enable the system to identify and process keys independently, dramatically increasing throughput while maintaining accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If the key is left unsecured during identification, then the identification process is simple, but the key moves causing identification errors
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component rather than being integrated into the identification mechanism itself. This allows the key to be securely held in position while keeping the identification process simple and focused on image capture and analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A key identification system that includes a key identification system housing, a key clamp, a key ring support tray, and two digital identifiers is disclosed. The key identification system housing may include a key receiving aperture extending through housing and sized to receive at least some of a key blade of a key. The key clamp is positioned adjacent to the key receiving aperture and allows the system to maintain the key blade in a fixed position within the key identification system housing when the key is inserted into the key receiving aperture. The key ring support tray is typically coupled to the key identification system housing below the key receiving aperture. The two digital identifiers are positioned within the key identification system housing and designed to capture key blade information.