Key with Movable Element for Anti-Copy Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical locking systems face challenges in ensuring high security against unauthorized access while maintaining reliability and durability, particularly with the risk of key copying via advanced technologies like 3D printing.
Innovation Solution
A key and key blank design featuring a movably mounted element with a cross-sectional shape that includes guide parts and stops to prevent tilting and enhance mechanical stability, making it difficult to replicate using 3D printing, while maintaining compatibility with existing lock cylinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If movable elements are integrated into the key to increase coding permutations, then the number of possible combinations is increased, but the key becomes more susceptible to damage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements movable elements (tactile pins) that can dynamically change position along the key shaft to create additional coding permutations. These pins move within defined limits to generate unique mechanical codes that increase security combinations while maintaining key structural integrity through controlled movement ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The key is segmented into distinct functional zones: a profile section for traditional coding, a thicker cut section housing the movable tactile pins, and a head section. This segmentation isolates the movable elements to a specific region, protecting them from wear in other areas and allowing the movable components to be replaced or serviced independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tactile pins are made to exceed the width of the profile section to increase combinations, then the number of possible combinations is increased, but the key becomes prone to tilting which impairs reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The key employs asymmetric design where the profile section has a specific width and the cut section has a greater width to accommodate the movable tactile pins. This asymmetric dimensioning allows the pins to extend beyond the profile section boundaries without causing tilting, as the wider cut section provides a stable base that prevents rotational instability while still allowing the pins to protrude for increased coding capability.
3Reliability
If additional security features are integrated into the key to prevent 3D printing copying, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coding layer using movable tactile pins that act as a mediator between the traditional key profile and the lock cylinder. These pins provide an additional security barrier that is difficult to replicate with 3D printing technology, as they require precise mechanical assembly and interaction with the lock's tumblers. The intermediary elements add security without requiring complete redesign of the entire key structure.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to a key (1) or key blank, and to a lock cylinder (30) corresponding to the key, and a lock system having said key and said lock cylinder. The key or key blank has a bow (2) and a shaft (4), as well as an element (5) that is introduced into a borehole (9) which, penetrating one flat side (16.1) of the shaft, connects to the other flat side (16.2). The element (5) is moveably mounted along an axis (10) of the borehole (9), wherein this movement along the axis of the borehole is limited by at least one stop (11), and wherein the movement of the element (5) in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the borehole is prevented by the side boundary of the borehole itself. The element (5) is characterised in that it has a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the borehole, which has a central part (7) and at least two guide sections (8), wherein the guide sections (8) extend radially towards the central part.