Two-Part Key With Segmented Safety Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key designs fail to effectively prevent undesired loosening of the connection between the first and second parts, making them susceptible to manipulation.
Innovation Solution
The key features a first part with a through-hole safety opening and a second part with a blind-hole or stepped-groove safety opening, or both parts with stepped grooves, forming a secure connection that is difficult to manipulate without causing visible damage, and includes a locking bit and bearing part with a fastening shaft for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard fastening technology is used to connect the first and second parts, then the connection can be easily loosened with standard tools, but the ease of manufacture and assembly is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The safety opening is segmented into two distinct parts: a through-hole in the first part and a blind-hole in the second part. This segmentation prevents standard fastening tools from accessing the complete opening, thereby securing the connection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard drilling processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety opening acts as an intermediary element between the first and second parts. By designing it as a through-hole in one part and a blind-hole in the other, it mediates the connection security requirement without compromising ease of manufacture, as both hole types can be created using conventional drilling equipment.
2Ease of operation
If the safety openings are designed as through-holes in both parts, then the assembly is simple, but undesired manipulation and loosening can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The safety opening design employs asymmetry by making one opening a through-hole and the other a blind-hole. This asymmetric configuration maintains relative assembly simplicity while effectively preventing manipulation, as the blind-hole prevents tool insertion from the opposite side, blocking disassembly attempts.
3Reliability
If blind-holes or stepped grooves are used for safety openings, then manipulation is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blind-hole is created only in the second part where it is locally required for security, while the first part maintains a simple through-hole. This local application of the more complex blind-hole design achieves anti-manipulation security without unnecessarily increasing the overall manufacturing complexity of the entire assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The key (1) has two elements (2,4), which have a safety opening (6), and the former element has a safety recess formed as a through hole and the latter element has another safety recess formed as a blind hole. The elements have a safety opening formed as offset groove, where both the grooves form a blind hole together in the mounting condition of the key.