Three Piece Key Assembly With Snap Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock key mechanisms lack a positive mechanical locking action, relying on friction, glue, epoxy, welding, or forced wedging, which are not reliable or easy to manufacture and assemble.
Innovation Solution
A three-part lock key assembly featuring a snap-lock mechanism with springy arms and an angled notch, providing a straightforward mechanical locking action without the need for wedging, glue, friction, or screw tightening, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction, glue, epoxy, welding, or forced wedging is used to hold the key blade to the key head, then the key assembly can be held together, but the locking mechanism lacks positive mechanical locking action and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The key assembly is divided into three separate pieces: key head, snap lock, and key blade. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and then assembled using a simple snap-lock mechanism, eliminating the need for complex joining methods while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap lock incorporates springy arms that provide dynamic locking action. The arms can flex during assembly and operation, then snap into place to create a positive mechanical lock. This dynamic element provides reliable locking without requiring static joining methods like glue or welding.
2Ease of operation
If forced wedging action is used to push the sub assembly into the key head, then the key blade can be held in place, but the assembly requires complex alignment and precise dimensional control
Solution Approach 1:
The springy arms provide a dynamic fitting mechanism that accommodates minor dimensional variations. During assembly, the arms can flex to accommodate slight misalignments, then snap into place to create a secure fit. This eliminates the need for precise pre-alignment and forced wedging.
Solution Approach 2:
The springy arms change their physical state from flexible during insertion to rigid during locking. This parameter change allows the assembly to be simple and forgiving during manufacturing, while providing secure locking once assembled. No precise dimensional control is required.
3Reliability
If a snap-lock mechanism with springy arms is used to positively lock the key blade, then the locking action becomes reliable and simple, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The snap lock combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the locking mechanism, the springy arms, and the structural connection between the key head and blade. This merging reduces the total number of parts compared to separate locking components, while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
While adding a snap lock component, the overall structure is segmented into three clear pieces that can be manufactured independently. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly complexity, offsetting the added component.
4Ease of operation
If an angled notch is added to the snap lock flange for easy release, then the disassembly process becomes simple, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring force to disassemble the key, the angled notch is designed to work with a simple lever action. The notch is positioned and angled so that a small tool can insert and provide mechanical leverage to release the snap lock. This inversion of the assembly/disassembly process makes disassembly easier while requiring minimal precision.
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
The solution ensures a rigid and secure key assembly with a simple manufacturing process, easy handling for locksmiths and key cutters, and allows for easy disassembly using a small tool, enhancing the reliability and ease of use of the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The snap-lock having two springy arms 22 with protrusions 21 to slide and bend inwards and slide over the dead point 23 of the casing area of the head, and to snap back after passing the dead point of the casing area 23 and positioning itself into the square hole 17 of the key blade 12
Data Source
AI summary
A lock key comprising of (3) pieces. A head, a key blade and a snap lock. These pieces are interlocked together, so that separation is not possible in normal usage. The head is made of precious metal or non precious metal set with or without stones and may consist of various esthetic and ornamental forms. The snap lock engages the head and the key blade in a way to inhibit the removal of the head from the key blade in normal use. The key blade can be easily removed from the head and exchanged with another key blade as needed.