Key Shank Imaging Module for Faster Key Duplication Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key duplication machines require numerous images and comparisons, leading to increased processing time, errors, and complexity, with independent cutting wheels causing miscuts and reduced machine lifespan, and difficulties in properly inserting and clamping key blanks due to their varied configurations.
Innovation Solution
An identification module that receives only the shank of a key, using a tip guide and imaging assembly to capture a backlight image of the key tip, reducing the need for extensive image capture and comparison, and featuring a key receiving assembly that aligns the key for precise cutting without requiring the entire key blank to be inserted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the entire key blank is inserted and clamped in conventional machines, then the cutting process can be performed, but the process becomes complex and error-prone due to varied key blank configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary portion (key shank) from the entire key blank for processing. The key receiving assembly is configured to receive only the shank portion, eliminating the need to handle and clamp the entire key blank, thereby simplifying the clamping mechanism and reducing errors related to varied key blank configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The key blank handling process is segmented into receiving only the shank portion separately from the head portion. This segmentation allows the system to focus on the critical cutting area without being constrained by the diversity of key blank heads, simplifying the overall process.
2Measurement precision
If numerous images and comparisons are performed in conventional machines, then key blank identification can be achieved, but processing time increases and errors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and uses only the tip portion of the key for identification and imaging purposes. By focusing imaging on just the key tip rather than the entire key blank, the number of images required is reduced, decreasing processing time while maintaining sufficient identification accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent cutting wheels are used in conventional machines, then cutting flexibility is achieved, but miscuts occur and machine lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cutting function into a single integrated cutting wheel that processes the key shank in one operation. This eliminates the coordination issues between independent cutting wheels, reducing miscuts and improving reliability while maintaining the ability to create various key patterns.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution streamlines the key duplication process, reduces errors, and extends machine lifespan by simplifying the alignment and cutting process, while accommodating various key blank configurations with improved precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of the tip end through the slot
Data Source
AI summary
An identification module is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The identification module may have a key receiving assembly configured to receive only a shank of an existing key. The identification module may also have a tip guide, configured to receive a tip of the shank of the existing key. The tip guide may have a slot that exposes a tip end of the shank. The identification module may also have an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of the tip end through the slot.